Yokohama Rubber posted record-high business and financial results for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, driven by substantial revenue and profitability growth across its key business segments.
The company reported a 13.1 percent increase in sales revenue from the same period last year, reaching USD 5022 million. Business profit rose 69.6 percent to USD 535 million, operating profit increased 63.8 percent to USD 551 million, and profit attributable to the parent company’s owners climbed 36.5 percent to USD 390 million.
The Group’s business profit margin also reached 10.7 percent, its highest level ever for this time frame.
Yokohama Rubber attributed this robust growth to efforts to expand sales volume, implement product price increases and optimise the product mix. A full-year contribution from Y-TWS and the positive impact of yen depreciation further supported the performance.
Segment Results
Tyre Business: Sales in the tyre segment reached USD 4498 million, a significant increase from USD 3931 million in the same period last year. Business profit for the segment surged to USD 505 million, up from USD 287 million. Growth was driven by higher sales volume, favourable product mix and effective price increases in response to raw material costs.
Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT: YOHT recorded sales of USD 684 million, up from USD 632 million in 2023, while business profit rose to USD 81.45 million, compared to USD 76.3 million the previous year. The segment benefited from strong demand in the agricultural and industrial tyre markets, particularly in overseas markets.
Yokohama Tire & Wheel Solutions (Y-TWS): Sales in Y-TWS totaled USD 737 million, a substantial increase from USD 432 million in 2023. Business profit came in at USD 46.81 million, reversing a loss of USD 7.05 in the prior year. The improvement reflects strong sales of speciality tyres and positive impacts from structural changes and efficiency improvements.
Yokohama Rubber’s CEO emphasised the company’s ongoing focus on strategic growth initiatives, including high-margin products and global market expansion. The results underscore Yokohama Rubber’s resilience and adaptability in a challenging economic environment.
Vredestein Takes Joint Second In Auto Bild's 2026 All-Season Tyre Manufacturer Rankings
- By TT News
- November 11, 2026
Vredestein, a brand of Apollo Tyres Ltd, has been ranked joint second among the best all-season tyre manufacturers in Auto Bild’s 2026 manufacturer rankings. The German automotive publication’s recognition follows several ‘Exemplary’ ratings earned by Vredestein all-season products in independent tests. Auto Bild’s annual manufacturer rankings assess brands across three categories: summer, winter and all-season tyres.
The brand’s all-season heritage dates to 1993, when it launched the Quatrac as the segment was still emerging. In 2019, Vredestein expanded the range with the Quatrac Pro, designed specifically for high-performance vehicles. The Quatrac Pro 2, introduced earlier this year, succeeded the original Pro as the high-performance flagship of the all-season lineup. It carries an ‘A’ rating for wet grip and is offered in sizes for 17- to 24-inch rims.
In Auto Bild’s recent all-season tyre test, the Quatrac Pro 2 achieved the best overall snow performance and the second-shortest wet braking distance, securing second place overall. In a separate Auto Bild Allrad assessment, the tyre was praised for strong snow capability, the shortest wet braking distance and solid results across other wet criteria, earning second place in a highly competitive test. The latest honour adds to other independent recognition, including a ‘Very good’ rating and a price-performance recommendation for the Quatrac in Auto Moto und Sport’s recent test of ten all-season tyres.
Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial (Europe, Middle East & Africa), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “When Vredestein began developing all-season tyres in 1993, the aim was to give drivers confidence in one set of tyres throughout the year. With the Quatrac Pro 2, we have extended that approach to drivers who also expect the precise handling of an ultra-high-performance tyre. We are proud to see our work on this product and our wider all-season portfolio recognised in Auto Bild’s annual ranking.”
Sri Trang Group Showcases Green Rubber Production At Mukdahan Open House
- By TT News
- November 07, 2026
Sri Trang Group has reiterated its dedication to developing the natural rubber sector while protecting the environment and assisting nearby communities. The company recently held the second edition of its 2026 ‘One Sri Trang, One Environment’ initiative at Rubberland Products Company Limited's Mukdahan Branch. Worayan Bunnarat, Governor of Mukdahan, headed a delegation of senior provincial officials from the Provincial Industry, Labour and Public Health Offices. Community leaders and partner networks also participated to learn about the factory's responsible management approach.
Welcoming the delegation were Chalermpop Khanjan, Executive Director of Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited, and Mustopa Longsaman, Factory Manager of the Mukdahan branch. A symbolic tree-watering ceremony opened proceedings, underscoring a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. Attendees then explored an exhibition displaying natural rubber innovations spanning the supply chain, from traceability systems to programmes enhancing local quality of life. A standout initiative converts discarded plastic bottles into eco-friendly brooms, creating income for residents. The exhibition also recognised collaborative efforts, backed by provincial authorities, that enabled the branch's TO BE NUMBER ONE Club to attain national distinction as a ‘Silver-Level Model Workplace, Year 1’.
Visitors witnessed production processes directly, with particular attention to odour prevention and control at the source. Measures include a fully enclosed raw material storage building, ozone-based air treatment and a biofilter system for reducing odours. The Mukdahan facility has further refined its environmental monitoring through E-Nose intelligent electronic nose technology, which identifies odours and evaluates their dispersion in real time while allowing continuous data sharing with local communities. Alongside this, the V-Pass Smart Receive digital system screens raw material transport vehicles from the outset, helping avert rubber serum leakage along transportation routes.
Sri Trang Group is confident the event will reinforce trust between the factory and neighbouring communities through transparent disclosure of its operational practices. The Group continues to pursue the facility's progression towards ‘green factory’ status and remains committed to stable, sustainable growth in partnership with rubber farmers, local communities and the environment.
Hankook Secures First WRC Round Title Sponsorship With Hankook Rally US
- By TT News
- November 07, 2026
Hankook Tire has secured the title sponsorship of Rally US, Round 11 of the 2027 FIA World Rally Championship, the company announced during a signing ceremony at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas on 3 November. Representatives from Hankook, the WRC Promoter and the Rally US Organizing Committee attended the event.
The agreement grants Hankook naming rights to the rally, which will be staged as Hankook Rally US under the company’s unified global brand. It represents Hankook’s first title sponsorship of a WRC round.
Hankook Rally US will mark the WRC’s return to the United States after 39 years, since the Olympus Rally in Washington State in 1988. Set for 25–29 August 2027, the event will run on gravel stages across Tennessee and Kentucky, with Knoxville serving as rally headquarters and a ceremonial start in Nashville, which also hosts Hankook’s US headquarters.
Through the sponsorship, Hankook seeks to boost brand awareness in North America, especially in the US, one of the world’s largest automotive markets. The company plans to use exposure across rally stages, the WRC Arena, fan zones and podium backdrops to engage local motorsport fans and strengthen ties with customers and partners. Hankook has supplied tyres exclusively to all WRC classes since the 2025 season and supports more than 70 motorsport competitions worldwide, feeding event data into high-performance tyre research and development.
Rob Williams, Senior Vice President of Hankook Tire North America Headquarters, said, “The WRC’s historic return to the US marks a milestone for Hankook as our first title sponsorship of a WRC round. This partnership will showcase our tyre technology, elevate our premium brand presence and strengthen ties with customers and partners across North America.”
Matt Crews, President and CEO, Rally US, said, “We’re proud to represent America’s return to the World Rally Championship, and especially proud to do it alongside Hankook. Tennessee is my home state, and Hankook is a leader in our automotive industry, with its US headquarters in Nashville and its plant in Clarksville. Hankook Rally US gives them a great platform to showcase their brand to fans here at home and to the WRC’s audience around the world.”
Senator Bill Hagerty said, “Hankook has been a great employer and partner for the Tennessee economy since they decided to move operations to our state more than a decade ago. Seeing them serve as title partner for the FIA World Rally Championship’s return to America, right here in Tennessee, will put our state in front of a global audience, and I couldn’t be more pleased of how far that relationship has come.”
Firestone Unveils Pathway AS Tyre, Covering Nearly 77% Of Registered Vehicles
- By TT News
- November 07, 2026
Firestone, a Bridgestone Americas subsidiary, has introduced the Firestone Pathway AS, an all-season touring tyre built for everyday drivers. It comes in 73 sizes, giving it the widest vehicle coverage of any Firestone tyre, and pairs dependable performance and long tread life with value, all backed by a 65,000-mile limited mileage warranty.
Development was shaped heavily by consumer feedback, which pushed improvements in wet traction, tread life and ride comfort over the predecessor. The original plan called for 48 sizes, but 25 more were added mid-development to broaden market reach, helping Firestone cover nearly 77 percent of registered vehicles.
A tread compound engineered for longevity, additional sipes and an optimised see-through void promote even wear and sustained traction. Deep interlocking 3D sipes deliver grip from light snow to dry and wet pavement. Internal testing recorded wet braking gains of 18 percent against the Uniroyal Laredo HT, 11.7 percent against the Firestone All Season and 7.4 percent against the Toyo Extensa AS2, along with shorter dry braking than six leading rivals. Low rolling resistance also supports fuel efficiency in combustion-engine vehicles.
Nationwide availability is underway, with fitments covering popular models such as the Toyota Camry, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Equinox.
Leslie Sawyer, Senior Product Design Engineer, Bridgestone Americas, said, "Most drivers want a tyre they can depend on. The Firestone Pathway AS is designed to deliver reliable performance and long-lasting value, giving drivers the confidence they need in everyday driving situations."
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