Yokohama Tire Corporation will debut its new drive tyre for North America, the 709ZL at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) today. The 709ZL is available in 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5 sizes and according to Rick Phillips, Yokohama’s director of commercial sales, the new tyre employs Yokohama’s ‘Zenvironment’ technology, which combines the latest breakthroughs in casing design, rubber compounding and tread design.
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has announced plans to host an online webinar TPMS tomorrow 21 March. This twice monthly online webinar series is designed to help Tire Industry Association's current and future members learn how to stay ahead of the competition. Webinar attendees do not have to be a TIA member to participate in the online webinars.
Yokohama Tire Corporation has launched an online-based resource tool that helps fleet owners effectively manage the costs and pressures of their tyres. The Yokohama Inflation Pressure Calculator recommends appropriate inflation levels, thus preventing under-inflation or over-inflation that are often the culprit behind the most common tyre wear, tyre damage and excess fuel consumption.
Yokohama’s orange oil technology is hitting the replacement market in the US with the introduction of the Avid Ascend all-season tyre. The new range goes on sale 1 March and the initial line-up includes 45 sizes for 15 to 18-inch tyres in T, H and V speed ratings; suitable applications include passenger cars, crossover vehicles and minivans. Upon announcing the new tyre’s introduction, Yokohama Tire Corporation described the Avid Ascend as the first tyre “to collectively achieve – without compromise – exceptional all-season performance, remarkable tread life and excellent fuel efficiency.”
Singaporean tyre, wheel and battery distributor and manufacturer, YHI International posted record net profits of S$41.1 million in 2011, though profit margin dwindled a percentage point on lower margins in its manufacturing business segment. The company distributes Yokohama, Nexen and Nankang tyres and Enkei, OZ and Konig wheels, among other brands, across south-east Asia. Executive chairman and Group managing director, Richard Tay said “despite the global economic uncertainties and strong competition, we have achieved excellent financial results… We are on track in executing our five-year business expansion plan (FY2011-FY2015) to grow our manufacturing and distribution businesses, and strengthen our multi-brand, multi-category and multi-product sales initiatives for all YHI’s sales offices and appointed distributors worldwide.”
The latest tyre tests produced by German motoring association ADAC, in partnership with OAMTC (the Austrian equivalent) were dominated by tyres produced by Continental. But there were also surprisingly strong performances from emerging and second line brands such as Apollo and Barum set against a disappointing result for Infinity.
At this month’s Pneu Expo 2012, Yokohama’s flagship eco tyre the BluEarth-1 was awarded a Pneu Expo Innovations Trophy. Trophies were given for excellence in one of three categories: environmental actions, shop equipment innovations, and service innovations. The Japanese tyre maker was awarded the trophy for environmental actions, recognising the BluEarth-1’s contribution to bettering the environment through improved vehicle fuel economy.
Europe is to become the first international market for Yokohama’s new Geolandar SUV range. The 4×4 tyre went on sale in Japan this month and when it arrives here in March the Geolandar SUV will be available in 27 sizes from 245/50R20 102V to 205/70R15 96H. Following its European release, the energy efficiency-themed tyre will be gradually launched in other global markets.
Almost a year ago Yokohama Rubber introduced the first of its BluEarth series, the BluEarth-1, into Europe. Now the European BluEarth portfolio is to be extended with the release of the BluEarth AE-01 fuel-efficient range of standard passenger car tyres. Scheduled for introduction into our region in March, the AE-01 will be available in 40 sizes from 205/55R16 91H to 155/80R13 79T. Following the tyre’s European launch it will also be introduced into other global markets.
Last year was a “very challenging year” for Yokohama Tire Corporation, reports Dan King, senior vice-president of sales and marketing at Yokohama’s North American operation. King describes the North American consumer tyre market as being “basically flat” and says in light of this Yokohama was pleased to have grown in all segments of its business.
Prices for Yokohama consumer tyres will rise by up to eight per cent in the US as of 1 March 2012. Yokohama Tire Corporation says the increases apply to all passenger car, performance and light truck lines, and some in-line adjustments will also be announced at a later date.
On 1 February Yokohama Tire Corporation released a run-flat version of its Avid ENVigor all-season range in its North American markets. Known as the Avid ENVigor ZPS (Zero Pressure System), the run-flat variant is available in five sizes for popular fitments such as the BMW 3 and 5 Series, Lexus GS and SC, and Mini Cooper.
Yokohama will be the new control tyre supplier for the Irish Touring Car Championship or ITCC starting in the 2012 season. Touring cars have become something of a speciality for Yokohama’s motorsport activity; its Advan range is currently used as the control tyre in the FIA World Touring Car Championship as well as the Russian, Chinese and Scandinavian national iterations.
Japanese manufacturer Yokohama has a range of three van tyres available in the UK through its distributor Yokohama HPT and its nationwide dealer network. The patterns in the range aim to cover van applications across all conditions and circumstances, according to the company.
First in the commercial range is the RY818 tyre. Aimed predominantly at the urban delivery user, it features a flat tread pattern to maintain grip and safety under all vehicle load conditions while the design helps to improve water clearance in wet weather. Yokohama says its construction means that it will withstand the daily rigours of multiple deliveries, with its specially-designed kerbing rib protecting against sidewall damage, as well as resisting wear and generating long life and the all-important commercial consideration: value for money.
Continental Tire the Americas has announced a price increase on all of its replacement market commercial truck tyres, reports Tire Review. The increase of up to 9 per cent impacts Continental, General and AmeriSteel brand commercial truck tyres sold in the US, and will come into effect on 15 February.
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