Toyo Tires has released four new sizes in its Proxes R888 range, aimed specifically at 19-inch staggered wheel fitments on a range of Porsche models. The new sizes are 325/30ZR19, 345/30ZR19, 245/35ZR19 and 265/35ZR19 meaning that for the first time, owners with these tyre requirements will be able to opt for the race-proven grip of the Proxes R888.
Toyo Tire & Rubber has entered the franchise retail service centre business in Malaysia through its local subsidiary, Toyo Tyre Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The first Toyo Premium Auto Centre in the country recently opened in Malacca; Toyo says its Malaysian subsidiary is “pursuing an aggressive retail marketing strategy to expand its distribution network nationwide to meet the increasing demand for high performance and ultra high performance tyres.”
Toyo’s Proxes R888 will be the control tyre for the Toyo Tires BRSCC Porsche Championship. The partnership deal includes title sponsorship for the 2013 season, which will see Boxsters and classic 924s battling for supremacy on the UK’s finest circuits. Toyo says that the skills of the participating drivers will make for some close racing, and the emphasis will be placed on preparing talents for future motorsport series while keeping costs manageable.
Proxes R35A have been chosen by Toyota for original equipment fitment on the new Prius+. The first full hybrid seven-seater in Europe has been equipped with Toyo 215/50 R17 91V Proxes R35A from launch.
Toyo Proxes R35A tyres reportedly help the Prius+ to offer the lowest emissions of any seven-seater on the market.
Japanese manufacturer Toyo Tire & Rubber state that the appointment of Kenji Nakakura’s appointment as its new chairman and representative director and Akira Nobuki’s appointment as president, CEO and representative director will take effect on 28 March 2013. On that same date, numerous other personnel changes will occur; including those listed below.
Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. has published its consolidated business results for the 2012 financial year – a shortened, nine-month period owing to the Japanese firm’s changeover to a January to December fiscal year in 2012.
Toyo Tires racers won six stages and 13 podiums during the 2013 Dakar. Team Toyo’s Robby Gordon finished the Rally strongly, winning Stages 11 and 13 while two past Dakar champions, Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al-Attiyah, used the Toyo Open Country M/T-R to win Stage One and Stages Three, Four and Six respectively. Sainz drove the American-built #303 Team Qatar Red Bull buggy, Al-Attiyah the #300 Team Qatar Red Bull buggy, while Gordon competed in the Toyo-supported #315 Speed Energy/Toyo Tires/Mapei Hummer.
At the company’s Board of Directors meeting on 24 January, approval was given for Kenji Nakakura’s appointment as chairman and representative director of Toyo Tire & Rubber. The Japanese tyre maker has not stated when this appointment takes effect. The incumbent company president, CEO and representative director will be replaced in all offices by Akira Nobuki, who currently serves as Toyo’s executive corporate officer.
Toyo Tires supported driver Robby Gordon won Stage 11 and finished second at Stage 12 of the 2013 Dakar. Gordon’s victory at Stage 11 came after the competition portion was shortened amid safety concerns. Originally intended to run from La Rioja to Fiambalá in Argentina, the Stage was cut at the first checkpoint, taking the distance down from 219km to 70km, since heavy rains had flooded two rivers along the route.
Toyo Tire & Rubber notes that in recent years there has been a trend towards tighter international relations, and this means enhanced governance and internal control as a corporate group are required. The Japanese company also says that in light of environmental and other issues, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) has become more important than ever. To cover these issues, Toyo has laid out two new documents, the Toyo Tires Group Charter of Corporate Behavior” and “Toyo Tires Group Code of Conduct,” which place top priority on compliance.
Toyo Tires has secured its first original equipment deal with Mitsubishi in the United States, and the manufacturer says this initial agreement involves the supply of tyres to the most popular Mitsubishi sold in that particular market. Models of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crossover sold with 18-inch aluminium wheels will be fitted with Toyo’s A24 in size 225/55R18.
Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. president and CEO Kenji Nakakura has announced a change in name for its forthcoming consolidated tyre manufacturing subsidiary in Malaysia. Formerly Toyo Tyre Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the passenger and light truck tyre manufacturing facility will now be known as Toyo Tyre Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The factory will begin operation next spring.
Roy Bromfield, former head of Q Tires, Inc., the US firm that developed and patented a winter tyre with retractable studs, has taken on the role of chief operating officer at Toyo Tire U.SA. In his new position, Bromfield will work in collaboration with US subsidiary president and CEO Tatsuo Mitsuhata to develop and oversee strategies for sales, product development, and all elements of the marketing mix. All departments, including Sales, Price Management, Marketing and Product Planning/Technical Services will report directly to Bromfield.
Toyo Tire U.S.A. reports its Toyo Open Country A25 has been selected as an original equipment fitment on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder in North America. The new 4×4 will be supplied with the A25 in size 235/65R18.
Toyo Tyre (UK) Limited has confirmed that Nick Manning has stepped down as managing director of the company with immediate effect. According to company representatives he will officially leave the company at the end of December 2012 in order to “pursue other interests.” There has been no indication of whether or not these other interest will be inside or outside the tyre industry.
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