The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has once again secured a spot in CDP’s A List of companies for its leadership in corporate sustainability. This is Yokohama Rubber’s third-straight and sixth time on the A list by the global environmental non-profit organisation. The company received the highest score for its leadership in environmental transparency and climate change.

Based on its answers to the CDP's 2024 climate change questionnaire, Yokohama Rubber was chosen in recognition of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the risks associated with climate change and publish extremely transparent information. By tackling social concerns via its business operations, Yokohama Rubber is generating shared value under the sustainability motto ‘Caring for the Future’.

The global environmental disclosure system for businesses, cities, governments and regions is managed by CDP. Since its founding in 2000, it has encouraged businesses to reveal their environmental effects, cut greenhouse gas emissions, maintain forests and preserve water supplies. CDP scores are frequently used to influence procurement and investment choices in the direction of a resilient, sustainable and carbon-free economy. More than 2,100 firms in Japan and over 24,800 companies worldwide, including over 70 percent of corporations listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime Market, answered CDP's environmental disclosure questionnaire in 2024.

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JK Tyre & Industries  is investing INR 11.3 billion to expand production capacity across truck and bus radial, passenger car radial and off-the-road tyre segments, as strong demand pushes utilisation levels close to full.

The programme will raise overall capacity by about seven percent through projects at its Banmore, Laksar and Mysuru plants. Passenger car radial expansion at Banmore has been completed and is ramping up, with full capacity expected by July 2026. Truck and bus radial capacity at Laksar is due to come on stream by April 2026, while the off-highway expansion at Mysuru is already complete.

The investment forms part of the company’s broader INR 50 billion capital-expenditure plan over five years, focused on premium passenger tyres and radial technologies. Management said the share of larger-rim passenger tyres in its mix had risen to about 31 per cent from 27 per cent a year earlier, underpinning the need for additional capacity.

Indian operations are running at more than 90 percent utilisation, with radial tyre capacity above 95 per cent and consolidated utilisation above 85 percent. The expansion is intended to support continued growth in domestic replacement and original-equipment demand, as well as exports.

Separately, JK Tyre has completed the merger of subsidiary Cavendish Industries Ltd., after improving its utilisation from roughly 30 per cent to more than 95 per cent. The integration is expected to deliver operational synergies and strengthen capacity availability across product lines.

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Falken Tyre Europe GmbH is reshaping its summer tyre portfolio in response to shifting automotive trends on the continent, with a significant expansion planned for 2026. The updated lineup directly addresses the growing dominance of SUVs – which now represent 54 percent of new car registrations – and the accelerating shift towards electrification, with battery-electric vehicles holding a 17.5 percent market share in the first half of 2025. These developments have created heightened demand for larger tyre sizes and increased load capacities to accommodate heavier vehicle weights and the instant torque delivery of electric powertrains, all while preserving ride comfort and safety.

A key element of this enhanced portfolio is the AZENIS FK520, which now encompasses a broader array of larger rim diameters and wider footprints to suit both premium SUVs and high-performance automobiles. Its construction continues to emphasise a balance of strength and weight efficiency, incorporating reinforcement materials that support stability during demanding cornering and braking manoeuvres on dry tarmac. This approach ensures that drivers of heavier, more powerful vehicles can still experience precise handling characteristics.

For the rapidly expanding segment of battery-electric and hybrid vehicles, the e. ZIEX line has been developed to address their unique operational requirements. New size additions cater directly to popular electric models, while original equipment approval for Audi Q6 e-tron underscores its suitability for modern EV platforms. The tyre’s engineering focuses on extending range and durability through a carefully designed tread structure that promotes uniform pressure distribution, thereby reducing internal resistance and slowing the rate of wear across the contact patch.

At the pinnacle of the range, the AZENIS RS820 draws directly from Falken’s involvement in endurance motorsport to deliver ultra-high-performance capabilities for exotic sports cars and supercars. Its compound formulation and shoulder architecture are optimized for lateral stiffness on dry circuits and reliable grip in wet conditions, a combination that has led to its selection as original equipment on a premium performance sedan. Complementing these specialist products, the ZIEX ZE320 offers a broadly accessible option for everyday passenger cars, incorporating features that reduce interior noise and improve fuel economy through a lighter, more efficient casing structure.

Marcus Schulz, Product Manager, Falken, said, “Consumer demand for EVs and SUVs is reshaping Europe’s automotive landscape and Falken is ready to meet that challenge. Our 2026 summer range has grown in the areas where we are noticing this growth, ensuring more of Europe’s drivers can rely on Falken’s safe, efficient and performant range – always backed by our five-year guarantee.”

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Maxxis tyres demonstrated their competitive edge during the 2026 King of the Hammers (KOH) off-road racing event, where affiliated athletes achieved notable success across several demanding vehicle classes. The most significant victory came in the premier 4900 UTV Hammers Championship, where competitor Jeff Martin secured the overall win. Martin, driving for the Blais Motorsports team in the Open UTV category, navigated the notoriously difficult Johnson Valley landscape on Maxxis Roxxzilla tyres. His performance was characterised by strategic driving and steady control, which allowed him to outpace the competition and claim the top position.

Further highlighting the capability of the Roxxzilla tyre, legendary motocross figure Jeremy McGrath turned in a remarkable performance by finishing ninth overall. This achievement was particularly impressive given that McGrath was competing in the Pro Stock NA class against a field largely composed of more powerful turbocharged vehicles. His top-ten result served as a testament to both his driving expertise and the reliability of his Maxxis rubber. The UTV Pro Modified class also saw Maxxis-supported athletes dominate the podium, with Scott Lesage taking first place and Tommy Thompson securing second.

The punishing nature of the event was evident in the experience of Can-Am driver Hunter Miller. After contending near the front of the 4900 race, Miller’s bid for victory was derailed by a steering malfunction. Despite sustaining significant damage to his vehicle, he demonstrated considerable resilience by continuing to fight through the field and ultimately finishing eighth in the Open UTV class. Before the main events, Maxxis athletes had already established a strong foundation during the earlier Desert Challenge, with Dustin Jones and Todd Zuccone each earning podium finishes in their respective classes. The collective results throughout the week’s racing reaffirmed the brand’s reputation for providing durable, high-performing and consistent tyres capable of handling the extreme and varied conditions that define the King of the Hammers.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) had the pleasure of welcoming Thomas Colonna, Head of the Asia Regional Office from the European Forest Institute (EFI), for a courtesy visit to its Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur on 13 February 2026.

The meeting provided a valuable platform for constructive dialogue focused on strengthening collaboration in sustainability and responsible natural resource management. Both parties exchanged views on potential joint initiatives, with particular attention given to supporting smallholder farmers across ANRPC member countries in the context of evolving global environmental requirements.

The discussions underscored a shared commitment to advancing cooperation and promoting resilient, sustainable practices within the natural rubber sector, marking a positive step forward in the relationship between the two organisations.

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