Yokohama Tire Increasing Light & Medium Truck Tyre Prices

Continued increases in the cost of raw materials and energy-related expenses are the stated reasons behind the first increases in Yokohama Tire Corporation’s light and medium truck tyre prices since September 1, 2008. The US market price rises will take effect March 1, with prices increasing by up to seven per cent. Yokohama also states that in-line adjustments will occur. Details of these will be announced at a later date.

“As always, it’s a very difficult decision to increase prices,” said John Cooney, Yokohama director of sales, Commercial Division. “We’ve been doing our best to contain our costs, but the continued escalation in the costs of raw materials, energy and transportation must be reflected in Yokohama’s pricing, unfortunately.”

Jim MacMaster, Yokohama Tire Corporation executive vice president and COO, added: “Yokohama remains committed to bringing the best products to the market at competitive prices by integrating operational efficiencies, environmental procedures and the latest technology, but today’s challenging business climate makes it difficult to suppress costs.”

Passenger car, light truck OTR tyres will not be affected by the increase.