Toyo is aiming to turn heads at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The headliners are Ken Block and BJ Baldwin, who, if you are into motorsports and have access to YouTube, need no introduction. Between the two of them, they are not only responsible for millions of views on their extraordinary videos, but are simultaneously two of the most successful racers in their respective sports.
Bridgestone Corporation doesn’t just make tyres. In fact, the company says it is committed to helping people realise an “active and healthy lifestyle” through the utilisation of technologies and expertise in a whole range of rubber-related fields. This commitment can be seen in a joint development venture it is undertaking to improve the health of senior citizens.
Following the season finale at the Hockenheimring in Germany last month, the DTM touring car championship and exclusive tyre partner Hankook are heading for extra time in the land of the rising sun. On 11 and 12 November, the three competing manufacturers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes AMG, will be present at the final of the Super GT series in Motegi/Japan, returning the visit to Hockenheim made by Super GT.
The new Mazda CX-8 crossover SUV is scheduled for release in Japan in December. Toyo Tire & Rubber shares that its Proxes R46 tyre has been selected as an original equipment fitment in that market. The Toyo Proxes R46 will be fitted to the CX-8 in size 225/55 R19 99V.
The Tokyo Motor Show 2017 is currently taking place, and visitors to the biennial event are amongst the first to see Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ new Smart Tyre Concept from Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd (SRI). The aim of this new concept, shares the tyre maker, is to “aid in the development of tyres that provide balanced safety and environmental performance at higher levels than ever before.” The launch will be followed by the commercial introduction of tyres containing technologies seen in the Smart Tyre Concept, as well as further concept products, over the coming decade.
Some companies celebrate their centenary with a giant birthday cake; Yokohama Rubber has done so by developing a tyre. Although described as a concept, the tyre will come to market this year – albeit just in Japan, in one size (205/55R16 91V) and only on a limited basis. The anniversary tyre is called the BluEarth-air EF21. Yokohama Rubber reports that it is based on the “most advanced technologies and the latest design technique for reducing tyres’ weight and environmental impact.” The BluEarth-air EF21 will be introduced to the world at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017, which opens to the press tomorrow and to the public from 28 October.
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. is once again supplying specialist racing tyres to the Macau Grand Prix. The 64th Macau Grand Prix to be held in Macau (China) 16-19 November 2017. Yokohama Rubber supplied tyres for this event for 33 straight years until 2015. This year marks the 34th time the Company will support the Macau Grand Prix. Yokohama tyres will be the control tyre for the event’s main race, the FIA F3 World Cup, and for the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race. In addition, they will be the tyre of choice for many cars competing in the event’s support races.
Pirelli has continued its late-season trend of introducing softer Formula One compounds than in 2016 with its selection for the Japanese grand prix at Suzuka. Mario Isola, head of car racing, says that “this is particularly pertinent” at Suzuka, “as it’s one of the most challenging tracks for tyres of the entire year, with a very big emphasis on lateral loads that can cause thermal degradation if the tyres are not properly managed.
The Yokohama Rubber Co, Ltd, planted the 500,000th tree in its Forever Forest project on September 14. Begun in 2007, the latest landmark matches the tyre manufacturer’s goal. Chairman Tadanobu Nagumo and president Masataka Yamaishi joined others to celebrate planting of the commemorative tree at the Hiratsuka Factory. To build upon the project’s success to date, Yokohama Rubber said it would continue various related activities, including planting trees at new plants, providing saplings to various regions, promoting wild bird watching events, and monitoring CO2 absorption amounts. It added that it would also contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts within our business premises and in the surrounding communities.
Kawaii!! Next summer, Japanese consumers will – should they wish – be able to buy Hello Kitty tyres for their cars. This too cute for words opportunity comes thanks to a collaboration between Sanrio and Nexen Tire Japan. The tyres will feature the Hello Kitty logo and name on the sidewall – in pink. A tyre featuring Cinnamoroll, a long-eared white flying puppy whose tail resembles a cinnamon roll, will also be available and will presumably by met by an eager market.
Aston Martin Lagonda has agreed a trade and investment deal between the United Kingdom and Japan worth up to £500 million over the next five years of its second century business plan. The investment program was announced by Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin president and chief executive officer, during his visit to Japan as part of the UK delegation accompanying British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Japanese rubber products manufacturer Nitta has is to acquire the chemical and chemical and industrial products businesses of Toyo Tire and Rubber for 3.7 billion yen. The purchase does not include the now infamous seismic isolation rubber business.
Back in March Toyo Tire and Rubber said it was planning to sell its non-automotive operations and use the funds to strengthen its tyre business. Toyo Tire is expected to use the money from the sale to expand its tyre plant in Malaysia and invest in a US design centre set to open in 2018.
Yokohama Rubber stock has been selected for inclusion in two additional indices that focus on the stocks of companies that demonstrate strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. In addition to the FTSE Russell FTSE4Good Index, which it has been a component of for 13 consecutive years, Yokohama Rubber has been newly included in FTSE Russell’s FTSE Blossom Japan Index and MSCI Inc.’s MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index.
Two of the newest Environment, Society and Governance (ESG) indices developed by investment research firm MSCI recognise Bridgestone Corporation for its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The tyre and rubber products manufacturer features on both the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and the MSCI Japan Empowering Women Index (WIN).
Prices for Bridgestone winter car and van tyres are set to rise in Japan. Bridgestone Corporation intends to increase the prices for these products by an average of six per cent as of 1 September 2017.
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