What may change and what may not

It is impossible to predict in advance which changes will stick, and how much and to what extent our lives will change, but it is safe to say that the changes that will persist are those that make our lives safer, healthier, and more efficient.

Mask wearing may be the most visible change that persists, and not just cheap surgical masks or bandanas. In many big, design-conscious cities the mask is already becoming more a fashion statement, a new feature of the personal decoration of city life that permeates these places. Masks may become walking billboards for commercial ads or political statements. Masks, visors and facial protection will be integrated into the uniforms of public workers, delivery people, police, firefighters, and security guards.

All public places – schools, theaters, shopping malls offices and mass transit will be reconfigured for physical distancing. Restaurants, cafes and gymnasiums, those that survive the pandemic, will have fewer patrons, as their tables and equipment will have been designed for physical distancing. Attendees of at large venues, such as sports venues, may continue to be subjected to have their temperatures checked.

The way we worked by going to the “office” has changed and many will continue working from home. This means reduced need for large office buildings. Still, growing urbanisation will continue. In the past, urbanisation has overcome the devastating Black Plagues, cholera and even the recent Spanish Flu which killed as many as 50 million people worldwide between 1918 and 1920. Each and every time, the economic power of cities — their ability to foster innovation and productivity by pulling together the talent of workers — has been more than enough to offset the destructive power of infectious disease. However, the current digital era may achieve similar outcomes without people clustered together in an urban setting.

On an individual consumer level, more shopping will move to online transactions with courier services delivering goods – so, brick-and-mortar shopping venues will see reduced business.

The pandemic has had a swift and severe impact on the globally integrated automotive industry and has placed intense pressure on an industry already coping with a downshift in global demand as well as the cost of shifting towards electrification. So, look for a changed industry with increased merger & acquisition activity.  

So, change is here to stay, and businesses need to pay special attention to signals being sent by consumers’ changing behavior. 

Anyway, when the pandemic and all its related crises finally ebb and we are on the road to recovery in a few months or a couple of years from now, we will have the opportunity to look back and see what has changed!

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone Americas has secured a spot on the Forbes 2026 Best Brands for Social Impact list for the third year running, claiming the number 20 position. This represents a dramatic ascent of 71 places compared to the previous year’s ranking. The company’s standing is particularly notable as it surpassed all other tyre manufacturers as well as businesses in the auto repair and maintenance sectors, underscoring a strong and favourable public perception.

The company’s longstanding approach to community engagement has been driven by key alliances with organisations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Nature Conservancy and United Way. Since 2015, these efforts have translated into the donation of nearly 100 passenger vans to Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, the planting of over eighty-five thousand trees and total contributions exceeding USD 45 million. Additionally, Bridgestone team members contribute more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service each year to support vital local programmes.

Beyond these efforts, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, established in 1952 by Harvey Firestone, Jr., operates as the largest corporate foundation within the United States tyre industry. It provides annual grants to national and local nonprofits whose missions align closely with the company’s operational footprint and its strategic direction as a sustainable mobility provider. Funding priorities also include employee matching gifts for causes related to diversity, education, mobility and employment access, with many grant recipients selected through a teammate-driven process designed to broaden participation in the company’s philanthropic impact.

Now in its fourth year, the Forbes list identifies the top 300 brands nationwide based on consumer perception. Developed in collaboration with HundredX, the ranking evaluated nearly 5,500 unique brands through surveys of more than 200,000 individuals. The assessment measures how the public views a brand’s trustworthiness, social stances, sustainability efforts and commitment to community support, reinforcing Bridgestone’s elevated standing in this year’s results.

Sara Correa, Chief Marketing Officer, Bridgestone West and Bridgestone Americas; Head of Bridgestone Americas Business Services, said “This recognition is a testament to every Bridgestone employee, customer and partner who is committed to driving meaningful impact in the communities where we move, live, work and play. The mission of our company has always been serving society with superior quality and a core belief that what’s good for society is good for business.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Giti Tire has kicked off an exciting new chapter in motorsport by securing the role of Official Race Tyre for the Lotus Cup China, with the season commencing at the Sepang International Circuit. The races will see competitors utilising the GitiCompete GTR1 in the 240/650R18 and 300/650R18 sizes, setting the stage for a season defined by precision and endurance.

Spanning five rounds from April through December 2026, the championship has drawn significant participation, with 17 teams, 58 drivers and 44 cars registered. This year’s calendar represents a major milestone for the series, as it unfolds across one of Asia’s most technically challenging venues where the demands on performance, reliability and safety reach their peak.

At the core of this competitive effort is the GitiCompete GTR1, a high-performance slick purpose-built for racing environments. Engineered to deliver unwavering confidence on track, it combines advanced tread compounds and an optimised contact patch for superior grip and stability during high-speed cornering and heavy braking. Its ability to maintain consistent handling under extreme temperatures, coupled with efficient heat management for sustained performance over long stints, gives drivers the precise steering response needed to push to the limit.

Motorsport serves as a vital proving ground for Giti’s broader innovation efforts. Every lap at Sepang generates critical data on wear patterns, heat cycles and grip under stress – insights that are directly channelled into the company’s research and development. This real-world feedback allows Giti to refine compounds and structural designs, elevate safety and performance benchmarks and accelerate the creation of next-generation products.

Race Schedule

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Oak Group Holdings has secured the acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries (ETB), a UK automotive service provider formerly owned by Bridgestone. This purchase introduces a significant new distribution channel for the expanding company while marking a strategic shift in its operational reach.

With ETB now fully integrated into the portfolio, Oak gains four warehouses spanning Wales, the Midlands and the Southwest of England. These additions bolster the firm’s existing wholesale network and extend its geographical presence across key regions. The deal also grants Oak direct access to consumers through ETB’s established fast-fit network – a first in the company’s 45-year history – allowing its technology-driven and brand-focused service model to enter the fast-fit sector.

The two companies' brand portfolios are well matched, allowing for a smooth transition to the current tyre brands presently under the Oak Group banner, which include Davanti, Envoy, Landsail, Linglong, Delinte and Aptany, ensuring continuity and strengthening the combined offering, said the company.

Peter Cross, Commercial Director, Oak Group Holdings, said, “2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Oak. This milestone acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business, our continued investment and our long-term commitment as a wholesaler operating in what has been a turbulent and challenging market in recent years. We are very excited to welcome ETB colleagues to the Oak Group. We know the ETB team has vast experience and our values are closely aligned in terms of the importance of customer service in every aspect of what we do.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, is highlighting the significant safety risks posed by under-inflated or degraded motorcycle tyres when bikes are brought back into use after winter storage. With motorcyclists across Great Britain preparing for the return to the road, the organisation stresses that thorough tyre inspections are essential. This urgency is underscored by troubling casualty data: in 2024, a total of 340 motorcyclists lost their lives on British roads, while over 5,400 suffered serious injuries and more than 10,000 sustained slight injuries. Fatalities rose by eight percent between 2023 and 2024, even though traffic increased by only four percent.

The core of TyreSafe’s warning lies in the hidden effects of prolonged inactivity. Even if tread depth appears sufficient, tyres can lose air pressure and structural integrity while a bike remains stationary. Unlike cars, motorcycles depend entirely on two small contact patches for grip, braking and stability, leaving almost no room for error. This makes the consequences of neglect particularly severe, especially in critical moments such as braking into a bend or riding on wet roads.

The impact of under-inflated or degraded tyres manifests in several noticeable ways. Riders may encounter a wallowing sensation during cornering, vague or heavy steering, reduced handlebar feedback and increased stopping distances. Irregular wear patterns and diminished fuel efficiency can also emerge. As pressure drops, excessive tyre flex generates internal heat, accelerating structural damage and raising the risk of sudden failure. Tread distortion further compromises grip, particularly in wet conditions where aquaplaning becomes a greater danger.

Visible sidewall cracking indicates that rubber compounds have hardened and lost flexibility, diminishing the tyre’s ability to maintain grip and absorb road forces. For a motorcycle, where balance and control hinge entirely on tyre integrity, such cracking can signal an imminent risk of grip loss or failure. Deep or widespread cracks warrant immediate replacement. Even occasional use during storage helps preserve flexibility and pressure stability, making meticulous inspection especially critical for seasonally ridden motorcycles.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “After months off the road, many riders are eager to get back out and enjoy their bikes – but tyres may not be in the same condition they were at the end of last season. Under-inflation can make a bike feel heavy, vague or unstable in corners, while degraded rubber reduces grip – especially in the wet. With casualty numbers rising, riders can’t afford to overlook something as fundamental as tyre safety. A simple check before the first ride could prevent a serious incident.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of the National Motorcycle Council, said, “Motorcyclists depend completely on their tyres for grip, braking and stability. When tyres are under-inflated or deteriorated, the changes in handling can be subtle at first – but in an emergency situation, those differences can be decisive. Carrying out thorough tyre checks before the first ride of the season is one of the simplest and most effective ways riders can reduce avoidable risk.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!