A number of factors led to sales and income declining at Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. in the first quarter of 2016. The Japanese manufacturer reports that decreased vehicle production in Japan, lower global tyre prices and yen appreciation more than offset the benefit brought by cheaper raw materials. This was reflected in a 6.8 per cent year-on-year drop in net sales, which amounted to ¥129.3 billion (£822.4 million) in the three months to 31 March 2016. Sales within Yokohama Rubber’s tyre segment fell 6.9 per cent to ¥100.8 billion (£641.0 million).