Until the start of vaccination, so many deaths and blockages shut down the industry, as well as businesses and individuals. The lack of labour and consumers only brought uncertainty to people's lives. No one, including governments, was able to overcome all the unknowns.

Later, people began to learn to live with this virus and to learn facilities for practicing social distancing and other preventive measures to reduce the spread of germs. Then the daily life went to normal by half. Consumer markets have started offering services with social distancing.

Then, large companies launched initiatives for the vaccination of employees and some promoted the payment of about USD$ 25 as a bonus for the first volunteers. Employees began to work in stores under pandemic conditions. So, it is the same in tyre shops, for example, to help and maintain the tyres of customers' cars in good condition, which of course ensured mobility in cities so that vehicles let vehicles circulate on the road . People could get the food, medicine, supplies and medical care they need.

Manufacturers should sometimes be able to collaborate with competitors to survive together in tough days.

Sustainability has never been more worth talking about in recent decades to be a legitimate topic on pandemic dates.  One thing is for sure, at the same time, we can never know which companies have really benefited from being willing to invest in the past with a desire to make the business sustainable in the future. We will reach and appreciate these businesses later, as accurate tax and market data as a primary result of a successful business emerges after three consecutive years.

Anyone who has taken seriously the alerts of a post-2015 virus that could one day be a reality and a threat to humanity and go unchecked in nearly three years is supposed to be ready for pandemic dates. Is it really possible to take such a viral effect into account in the risk analysis? But if so, this company is already at least six years ahead of its competition.

We never forget that keeping reliable and loyal consumers is our future.

Today, many industries must survive with material suppliers, customers and its service providers. We can add its competitors as a fourth pole at the corner its competitors,. sSo that companies in the same category should move together and collaborate in difficult days. Suppose Suppose they accept each other's stronger side in a part of the main processes, it might help better in that specific part, s. So that sustainability is ensured for the sake of sociality and economy.

As a sustainable business continuity in raw materials, services, market consistency, health and safety of white and blue colours, loyalty and morals of employees, reliability of energy sources and capacity manufacturing operations. Any production company that never lacks the above can be successful and be considered ‘“sustainable”’ in the medium term. In the long term, the requirements of the environmental authorities must be respected;, social projects must be distributed among the employees.

A real investment in the company's brand must be made. It is sure that the ‘“No Waste’” and ‘“Green Company’” image reinforces the company's brand. May all of these lead the company to establishing production lines that consume less energy and are more efficient. Roof or wall solar collectors, rainwater harvesting pipes, efficient coolers, pumps and electric motors are expected to follow so far to be more durable.

Any tyre manufacturer responding to dealer demand and capable of producing with a minimum number of references will have a head start and make the difference in terms of efficiency.

A cumbersome problem for tyre manufacturers is carrying the heavy size list as production gum . Any tyre manufacturer responding to dealer demand and capable of producing with a minimum number of references will have a head start and make the difference in terms of efficiency.

What about reliable and loyal consumers? We have to bear in mind that consumers are our future. Any excessive savings, if it means reluctance in services or compromises on quality, will result in days of unemployment after a while. Thus, a well-adapted balance between costs and savings is always to be favoured in terms of sustainability.

A cumbersome problem for tyre manufacturers is carrying the heavy size list as production gum  even though they still cannot meet the needs of retailers. Retail stores can only cover 10 percent% to 45 percent% of the demand for walk-in customers. On the other hand, tyre manufacturers can meet dealer needs around 50 percent or 75 percent of orders, while supplying that amount with overproduction and heavy SKUs.

Another headache is the production of winter tyres in the summer, although sales are highly dependent on the severity of winter and upcoming snowfall. Tyre manufacturers often have to overproduce and have a large inventory. In recent years, the climate has changed the practices and the ability to estimate winter tyre sales mainly in Europe.

Therefore, any tyre manufacturer that meets dealer demand and is able to produce a minimum number of SKUs will have a head start and make a difference in terms of efficiency.

Anti-climax after stopping production for some reason of uncertainty is more costly.

After the long days of pandemic, which still affects the daily life of human beings, sustainability has become a matter of vitality for most companies. Lost markets can be won over time, but a climax after production ceases for some reason of uncertainty would be more costly.

The truths of having greener products, grasping the digitiszation movement and mobility trends, efficiency improvements, well-organiszed material sourcing, skills development in manufacturing operations, systematic management of product development and R&D activities, the search for alternatives for automation and artificial intelligence are still vital but not much more valuable than being sufficiently sustainable.

We must keep in mind that we are primarily victims of our own behaviours, decisions and actions. It is important to be progressive in the correct initiatives. So tyre manufacturers who manage a well-developed framework for change and agile strategies will win.

We must keep in mind that we are primarily victims of our own behaviours, decisions and actions.  To be progressive in the correct initiatives is inevitable to support. (TT)

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Hankook Tyre UK will exhibit on Stand B40 at RTX Scotland, which returns to Glasgow's SEC on 18–19 November 2026 after a successful 2025 debut. The two-day event brings the road transport industry together for innovation, expertise and networking, and Hankook will showcase its extensive portfolio of Hankook and Laufenn commercial vehicle tyres, designed to meet the evolving demands of today's transport operators.

Bigger than last year, the Glasgow show completes a three-market line-up alongside RTX's flagship Stoneleigh event and its Irish show, bringing the same truck-focused approach to audiences across the UK and Ireland. More than 80 exhibitors, from major truck manufacturers and trailer producers to tyre specialists and workshop suppliers, will take part, with over 7,000 visitors expected to explore developments, attend expert-led seminars, workshops and tech talks, and connect with key professionals.

At the heart of the stand, the SmartFlex range addresses regional and long-distance transport. The AL51 for steering and all-position duties and the DL51 for drive axles deliver up to 20 percent lower rolling resistance on long-haul routes than their predecessors, with consistent performance throughout service life, while the AH51 and DH51 offer dependable grip and braking for regional haulage. All can be regrooved and retreaded to maximise tyre life and cost efficiency. Hankook will also present the 315/80R22.5 Smart Work AM11+ for on- and off-road front-steer operations, the AM15+ all-position tyre, the TH31 all-season trailer tyre, the TH51 with Hidden Groove technology and the Vantra ST AS2 van tyre.

Laufenn, Hankook's associated brand, will display its growing commercial vehicle portfolio, including the Laufenn365 initiative, the LR01 and LR02 for on- and off-road applications, the LR53 drive tyre and the X Fit Van 4S. Drawing on Hankook's development expertise, Laufenn combines value, performance and full retreadability to help cost-conscious fleets manage operating costs and environmental impact. With solutions spanning heavy-duty regional haulage, long-distance transport, mixed-service operations and light commercial vehicles, Hankook's presence lets visitors explore products tailored to their needs and connect directly with the team.

James Misselbrook, UK Truck & Bus National Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “RTX Scotland provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fleets, operators and industry partners, and we're excited to be returning for a second year. The event comes at a significant time for Hankook, as we showcase some of the first 385/65R22.5 trailer tyres produced at our new European TBR manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. This major investment underlines our long-term commitment to the European market and reinforces our ability to deliver innovative, high-performance tyre solutions that help fleets maximise efficiency and profitability."

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Pirelli is all set for the winter season with its winter tyre range that is renewed over the past two years. The newly launched Scorpion Winter 3 joins the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers. The range is available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric vehicles. Independent tests by European organisations have placed Pirelli winter tyres at the front in safety-related areas, while the Cinturato All Season SF3 has recorded four victories and six additional podium finishes.

Winter tyres or suitable equipment are required from 15 November to 15 April. Most winter driving occurs on dry and wet roads. Below 7°C, winter compounds offer more grip than summer compounds, and the tread pattern helps counter aquaplaning and generate traction on snow. Sidewall markings indicate capability: M+S identifies a product for challenging surfaces, while 3PMSF certifies testing in harsh conditions. An appropriate winter driving style includes increased safety distance, avoiding sudden acceleration and reducing brake use in favour of engine braking.

The Cinturato Winter 3 took first place in the 2026 ADAC winter tyre test in size 225/50 R17 against 16 models, earning a highly recommended rating with the best wet score and the highest assessment for driving safety. It won the AvD test in size 225/45 R17 against 15 tyres with a very good rating. It also finished first in the Auto Bild comparison in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf against 14 tyres with an exemplary rating. Podium finishes followed in tests by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad and Tyre Reviews, giving six podium finishes in seven tests, including three victories.

The Scorpion Winter 3 debuted with a victory in the alVolante comparison in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, ranking first among six winter tyres. Its wet performance, shortest braking distance, fastest lap time and progressive reactions set it apart. It was judged consistent and predictable on snow and balanced on dry roads.

In the annual Auto Bild super comparative test, the P Zero Winter 2 finished on the podium with an exemplary rating, thanks to precise driving behaviour in wet and dry conditions and braking performance on both surfaces. The Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are available with Pirelli Elect technology on dedicated fitments for Europe's electric vehicle fleet. Elect addresses low rolling resistance for range, acoustic comfort, longer tyre life, grip for immediate torque and a reinforced structure for battery weight.

All-season tyres suit drivers mainly in urban areas covering up to 20,000 km per year without frequent heavy snowfall. Higher mileage, regular mountain travel or high-performance cars generally call for winter tyres. The Cinturato All Season SF3 carries the 3PMSF marking and has four victories in comparisons by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, plus six additional podium finishes. The new Scorpion All Season SF3 extends the approach to SUVs.

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Nokian Tyres will withdraw its sponsorship of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship should Russia be permitted to compete, the company has confirmed. The decision follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that cleared Russian national teams to return to international ice hockey. Nokian Tyres stated that continuing the sponsorship under such circumstances would conflict with its values. Tiina Frazer, SVP of Brand, Marketing and Communications, explained that while the 2026 tournament cooperation proved highly successful, the company felt compelled to act on its principles regarding Russian participation.

The tyre manufacturer had been named an Official Sponsor for both the 2026 and 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships in late 2025. Its 2026 involvement included the ‘Carve the Corners’ contest, running from 6 February to 20 March, which offered fans in the United States and Canada a chance to win a trip to the tournament. The 2026 event, held from 15 to 31 May, featured 64 games with 16 top national teams competing for the title and stands as the world’s largest annual winter sports event.

Frazer said, “Our sponsorship agreement with the IIHF covers the 2026 and 2027 World Championships, and our cooperation around the 2026 tournament was very successful. However, under the current circumstances, continuing the sponsorship if Russia participates would not be aligned with our values. We have therefore decided to end our sponsorship of the 2027 World Championship should Russia be allowed to take part.”

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA), the world's largest fully integrated natural rubber company, has been honoured at the Intelligent Industry Awards 2026, an accolade bestowed by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The award was formally received on 30 October 2026 at Bangkok's S31 Sukhumvit Hotel by Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul, accompanied by Akarat Mattayangkul, Factory Manager of the Huai Nang Branch, and Poowanart Laoprasert, Factory Manager of the Loei Branch.

Three of the company's production sites earned recognition under the award. The Loei and Huai Nang branches in Trang Province were cited for their technically specified rubber (TSR) operations, while the Kanchanadit Branch in Surat Thani Province was acknowledged for latex production. Evaluators placed weight on technology deployments that yield demonstrable outcomes, alongside sustained organisational development spanning operational processes, personnel, energy and sustainability.

Research and development form a central pillar of STA's strategy, merging its natural rubber know-how with digital tools and artificial intelligence. Among its flagship efforts is the Sri Trang AI Machine (SAM), which harnesses AI to bolster analysis and decision-making in production. The company also runs an ‘AI Clinic’ that invites staff from every department to pitch ideas, exchange experiences and obtain expert advice on embedding AI in routine tasks, thereby streamlining workflows, aiding decisions and lifting operational efficiency while nurturing a culture of technological learning.

The accolade underscores STA's drive towards Industry 4.0 through digital adoption, automation, innovation, workforce development and prudent resource management. It represents a further milestone in Sri Trang Group's evolution, reinforcing its emphasis on technology, people and resource efficiency as it continues to champion the sustainable development of Thailand's rubber sector.

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