Yokohama to Manufacture Tyres in Brazil, Russia
To meet growing demand in Russia and Brazil, Yokohama Rubber intends to begin manufacturing passenger car tyres in these two countries, with production commencing as early as 2010. Tyre supply in both markets is currently met with tyres manufactured in Japan and the Philippines, however a company spokesman reports that the combination of strong business prospects and the opportunity to avoid high import tariffs has led to the decision to set up local operations.
“It makes more sense to produce tyres there and sell them directly in the region,” he said. “We’ll keep shipping value-added products from Japan. The spokesman added that the facilities in Brazil and Russia will “start small and expand if and when sales increase.”