A new replacement tyre option exists for owners of classic cars, particularly Japanese models from the 1960s and 70s. The Yokohama G.T. Special Classic is being launched this summer in European markets in three sizes – 165/80R15 87H, 175/80R14 88S and 165/80R14 85S.
Former Michelin executive Stan Chandgie has been named vice-president of consumer sales at Yokohama Tire Corporation. He replaces Larry Kull, who was has become vice-president of sales and business operations within Yokohama Rubber’s North American operation.
Yokohama has announced that it will to exhibit at the Commercial Vehicle Show for the first time in 2019 (30 April – 2 May, NEC Birmingham). The tyre manufacturer will use the event to showcase its range of van, 4×4 and high performance tyres suited to a wide range of fleet and vehicle applications. Its decision to exhibit reinforces Yokohama’s growing interest in the van tyre market. Its latest fleet fitments include specialist aviation logistics company, Comet Car Hire (CCH) and leading European logistics business, X One Wholesale.
A new member of the Yokohama Advan range is coming our way. Starting in spring, Yokohama Rubber will offer the Advan Neova AD08RS in European markets. This street sports tyre will eventually be sold in 31 sizes, ranging from 185/55R15 82V to 255/30R19 91W.
The Yokohama Geolandar X-MT, a chunky-treaded tyre already seeing action on SUVs and pick-ups in North America, is poised for release in Europe. Starting spring 2019, the Geolandar X-MT will be available here in six sizes.
SMMT’s latest figures highlight that the demand for Dual Purpose (4×4, SUV and crossover) vehicles is proving to be one of the most rapidly increasing segments, with an impressive 10 per cent increase in registrations in 2018.
To cater for this growing segment, Yokohama offers an extensive range of 4×4 tyres covering a broad range of vehicle applications. Not only do the tyres feature the latest technology to deliver the exceptional performance demanded in the replacement market, but they are also selected by a number of leadings manufacturers for OE fitment, including the Toyota Rav 4 and Hi Lux models, Chrysler Jeep Cherokee, Porsche Cayenne and latest BMW X5 M Performance model.
The board of Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced several changes to the company’s senior management, including the promotion of Gota Matsuo to chief financial officer. These changes are expected to take effect on 28 March. The tyre and rubber products manufacturer also shares that former chief executive officer Tadanobu Nagumo will retire as chairman and member of the board at this time; he will continue to work with Yokohama Rubber in the capacity of senior advisor. Nagumo’s successor as chairman has yet to be announced.
Rising rally star Ed Fossey will continue to expand his experience on Yokohama tyres in 2019. The 20-year-old has been retained by global tyre brand Yokohama for a fourth year in a row, with Fossey promising push the Japanese products to the limits in the search for impressive stage times and class wins in his Peugeot 208 R2.
Yokohama used the 2019 Autosport International show at the NEC Birmingham to demonstrate how its long motorsport history has inspired its range of high performance tyres. Both product categories are covered by the Advan brand, which the manufacturer calls the pinnacle of its high performance offering.
Yokohama is celebrating 20 years supplying original equipment tyres to Lotus Cars with another two supply deals. The latest Lotus Elise’s Sprint 220 and Sport 220 derivatives will be fitted with Yokohama’s Advan Sport V105 as original equipment, featuring a new wider front tyre size of 195/50R16, while retaining the 225/45R17 on the rear.
Yokohama’s motorsport department is ready for another year of high-profile action on the track, as the tyre manufacturer’s UK division demonstrated at Autosport International 2019. In competitive motorsport, Yokohama will provide tyres for a series of high-profile championship and individual driver support programmes on both the race track and the rally stage.
Mercedes-AMG has selected the Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tyre as original equipment for its new E 53 4MATIC+ (ISG installed) series. Yokohama began supplying its global flagship tyre in June 2018 in two size sets: in 19-inch, the tyre manufacturer is supplying 245/40ZR19 98Y (front) and 275/35ZR19 100Y (rear) sizes, and for 20-inch rims it is supplying 245/35ZR20 95Y (front) and 275/30ZR20 97Y (rear).
X One Wholesale has fitted its fleet of delivery vehicles with Yokohama’s W*Drive WY01 winter tyre. The leading European logistics business, which guarantees its customers timed deliveries no matter the weather conditions, chose the winter tyre to ensure full mobility and safety this winter.
Yokohama tyres earned two 2018 Good Design awards from The Chicago Athenaeum at the end of December. Yokohama was honoured in the transportation category for its Geolandar X-MT and AVID Ascend GT products.
Alliance Tire Group (ATG) has doubled its warranty on specific agricultural radial steel belted tyres, introducing a new ten-year workmanship and materials warranty as of 1 January 2019. This makes the guarantee one of the longest warranty periods offered in the sector to date. For all other ATG agricultural tyres, the warranty is now extended to seven years.
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