Yokohama Rubber Posts Record First-half Results, Raises Full-year Guidance
- By TT News
- August 13, 2025
Japanese tyre maker lifts dividend after 10.3% revenue growth driven by premium tyre sales
Yokohama Rubber Co said it achieved record first-half results with sales revenue climbing 10.3 percent to 579.2 billion yen, driven by strong demand for its premium tyres and successful integration of acquired operations.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer reported business profit rose 13.8 percent to 62.1 billion yen for the six months ended June 30, marking new highs for first-half performance. However, operating profit declined 2.5 percent to 54.9 billion yen, whilst profit attributable to shareholders fell 23.7 percent to 35.5 billion yen.
The company attributed the growth in consolidated business profit to robust performance from existing operations, which offset one-time costs related to its acquisition and consolidation of Goodyear's off-the-road (OTR) tyre business.
Yokohama's core tyre segment generated significant gains through increased unit sales of consumer tyres and continued expansion in sales of its high-value ADVAN, GEOLANDAR, and Winter product lines, alongside growth in high-inch tyre sales.
The company's diversified operations also contributed to results, with the MB segment posting improved sales in marine products and benefits from structural reforms in its hose and couplings business.
Based on the strong first-half performance, Yokohama raised its full-year fiscal 2025 forecasts across all key metrics. The company now projects sales revenue of 1.235 trillion yen, business profit of 153.0 billion yen, operating profit of 140.5 billion yen, and profit attributable to shareholders of 88.0 billion yen.
The results reflect Yokohama's strategy of focusing on premium tyre segments whilst expanding its industrial products portfolio through strategic acquisitions. The company has been working to integrate Goodyear's OTR operations, which serve the mining and construction sectors.
The tyre industry has faced headwinds from raw material cost pressures and supply chain disruptions, though premium segments have shown resilience due to strong replacement demand and the shift towards higher-specification tyres.
Yokohama India Enhances Digital Presence With Revamped Website
- By TT News
- November 26, 2025
Yokohama India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co., has launched its newly revamped official website.
The company said that the upgrade is a major milestone and part of its digital transformation, aiming to make tyre discovery, selection and aftersales service simpler and more intuitive for consumers.
The new platform features an intuitive interface with simplified navigation, detailed product information and a mobile-first design for a responsive user experience. The website incorporates AI-led enhancements.
The platform also introduces WhatsApp Connect+, an automated chatbot designed to provide instant product assistance, personalised recommendations and quick connection to dealers. An upgraded dealer locator and a blog section with tyre care tips and maintenance advice are also included.
Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing, Yokohama India, said, “Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that goes beyond information, it’s about building a closer connection with every driving enthusiast. The new website mirrors the performance, innovation, and reliability our tyres represent, while making every interaction from exploring to support seamless and enjoyable.”
Cabot Announces Leadership Change For Reinforcement Materials Segment
- By TT News
- November 25, 2025
Cabot Corporation has named William ‘Bill’ Masterson as the new Senior Vice President and President of its Reinforcement Materials segment, effective 21 November 2025. He takes over the position from Matthew Wood, whose departure from the company is effective immediately. The company clarified that Wood’s exit is not connected to any form of disagreement concerning business performance, financial controls, operational matters or auditing practices.
Masterson brings considerable experience to his new role, having progressed through a series of leadership positions since joining Cabot from WR Grace in 2011. His most recent assignment was as Vice President of Global Business Operations for Carbon and Silica Technologies, where he managed a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities. In that capacity, his responsibilities extended to overseeing product management, supply chain logistics and technology functions, through which he led key projects focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering sustained growth.
Previously, he served as Vice President and Regional Business Director for the Americas, directing all commercial and technical activities for the specialty carbons and fumed metal oxides lines. This extensive background in managing intricate global operations, supported by his strong commercial strategy expertise, equips him to successfully lead the Reinforcement Materials segment and advance Cabot’s strategic goals.
Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “Bill brings a strong and diverse background to his new role, with deep expertise in global business operations, commercial strategy and a proven ability to lead complex organisations. Throughout his career at Cabot, he has demonstrated disciplined execution and a commitment to driving growth and operational excellence. Bill will also have the support of a long-tenured, highly experienced team with decades of knowledge in Reinforcement Materials, providing consistency and strength as he leads the business forward. He is also highly regarded for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to develop talent across the Company. I am confident that his strategic insight and operational experience will position the Reinforcement Materials business for continued success and long-term growth.”
Hankook Tire Partners With Finland’s Rotoboost In Push For Low-Carbon Tyre Materials
- By TT News
- November 21, 2025
Hankook Tire has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finland’s Rotoboost to co-develop a new class of low-carbon carbon materials for tyres, as the South Korean manufacturer accelerates efforts to cut emissions across its supply chain.
The agreement was concluded on 20 November at Rotoboost’s China office in Shanghai and centres on the joint development of carbon materials derived from so-called turquoise hydrogen — a process in which methane is thermally decomposed to produce hydrogen and solid carbon with significantly lower CO₂ output than conventional production methods.
Hankook said the collaboration marks a further step towards its “2050 Net-Zero” target, with a specific focus on the raw-materials stage, where carbon black — a fossil-fuel-based input widely used in tyre manufacturing — is associated with high emissions. The company has been expanding research into recycled and certified forms of carbon black but sees the hydrogen-derived alternative as a promising next stage.
The signing was attended by Hyuncheol Kim, chief operating officer of Hankook Tire China, and Rotoboost chief executive Kaisa Nikulainen. According to the companies, the partnership reflects a shared ambition to “strengthen sustainable materials value chain”.
Turquoise-hydrogen carbon materials, generated during the decomposition of methane in a high-temperature reactor, have recently drawn interest in the automotive and tyre sectors for their potential to reduce lifecycle emissions. Hankook aims to optimise the material’s properties, validate its performance in tyre compounds and achieve more than a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse-gas intensity “without compromising product performance”.
The group will also develop a quantitative verification system, using Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations, to assess carbon-reduction effects from raw-material sourcing through to production.
The agreement builds on Hankook’s growing portfolio of sustainability-driven projects. This year the company joined a national research programme on large-scale turquoise hydrogen production and began a development initiative with Solvay Silica to produce circular silica using industrial waste streams. Last year it achieved mass-production use of three ISCC PLUS-certified carbon blacks made from end-of-life tyre pyrolysis oil, and commercialised Korea’s first chemically recycled PET tyre cord through a partnership with SK Chemicals and Hyosung Advanced Materials.
Hankook said it would continue to “reduce its dependence on petroleum resources, prevent the depletion of natural resources, and consistently lower carbon emissions” through global collaborations.
BKT Names Three Senior Oe Executives To Support 2030 Global Growth Plan
- By TT News
- November 19, 2025
India’s Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) has strengthened its original equipment (OE) business with three senior appointments across France and South America, as the off-highway tyre maker accelerates its 2030 growth strategy.
The company said the hires mark a further step in its plan to expand in priority markets and reinforce its position as a global OE partner through technical collaboration and deeper engagement with equipment manufacturers.
In France, BKT has appointed Rémi Morin as Brand Specification Manager. Morin, who has more than 12 years’ experience with a global OEM and a decade in smart farming, mobility and innovation, will lead the firm’s engagement with tractor dealers. BKT said the role is designed to align product development more closely with the needs of OEMs, dealers and end-users in a market where the company already has a strong aftermarket presence.
In South America, BKT has added Cadu Accica as Head OEM South America and Lincoln Sugimoto as OEM Technical Manager South America.
Accica brings 19 years of experience in the specialty tyre sector across Latin America, with a track record in business development, marketing and sales. He will oversee OE partnerships with a focus on customer proximity and long-term collaboration.
Sugimoto, an engineering and project management specialist with 15 years’ experience in the specialty tyre and material-handling industries, will provide technical support to OEMs in the region and drive innovation and operational efficiency.
“These appointments reflect our bold commitment to scaling our OE business worldwide — with Europe and South America being critical parts of that journey. Remi, Cadu, and Lincoln bring passion, expertise, and a shared belief in performance through partnership and innovation. Their arrival enhances our ability to engage with OEMs at the highest level and deliver long-term value across regions. We are building a team that will transform our strong ambitions into reality at a global level,” said Ludovic Revel, President Global OEM, BKT.
BKT said the latest hires follow recent additions to its OE teams across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The company added that it is now positioned to expand its OE footprint across agricultural, industrial and OTR segments as part of its long-term strategic plan.
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