The Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd has entered into a share purchase agreement with the Swedish-based Trelleborg AB to acquire all outstanding shares of Trelleborg Wheel Systems Holding AB (TWS), a company engaged in the manufacture and sale of off-highway tyres (OHT) for agricultural and industrial machinery. TWS’s enterprise value is EUR 2,040 million. 

Yokohama Rubber said in a statement that the acquisition is scheduled to be completed in the latter half of 2022. The acquisition’s impact on Yokohama Rubber’s consolidated financial results is currently under examination, it said. 

Yokohama Rubber is currently implementing its Yokohama Transformation 2023 (YX2023) medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2021–2023.  

The TWS acquisition will contribute to the expansion of Yokohama Rubber’s OHT business, which YX2023 has positioned as a future growth driver for the company’s commercial tyre business. The ratio of consumer tyres to commercial tyres in today’s global tyre market is 1:1, but Yokohama Rubber’s tyre business sales are more heavily weighted toward consumer tyres, with a 2:1 ratio versus commercial tyres, the release pointed out. To bring the sales composition of its tyre business more in line with the overall market and secure the business’ stability and earnings growth, one of the key challenges facing Yokohama Rubber’s commercial tyre business is the growth of an OHT business capable of securing stably high earnings. The TWS acquisition will not only help Yokohama Rubber’s tyre business achieve a more optimal sales composition, but it will also strengthen the company’s commercial tyre business in each of the four thematic areas set forth in YX2023—product lineup, cost, service, and DX, the company said. 

TWS sales in fiscal 2021 totalled about YEN 129.0 billion, accounting for about 30 per cent of Trelleborg AB’s consolidated sales. Over the past 10 years, TWS has expanded its sales by 2.6 times and more than tripled EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes). While expanding sales it has sustained stably high profitability, with its EBIT ratio continuously above 10 per cent, the release said. 

Of tyres manufactured and sold by TWS, agricultural tyres account for about 60 per cent and industrial tyres about 20 per cent, with the remainder being tyres for construction machinery and motorcycles. TWS has 14 manufacturing plants in nine countries — seven in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, Slovenia, and three in the Czech Republic), two in the United States, one in Brazil, and four in Asia (two in China and two in Sri Lanka). About 70 per cent of its sales are in Europe. (TT)

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Tegeta Green Planet participated in a Circular Economy Action Platform meeting hosted by the UN Global Compact Network Georgia on 6 October. The session examined packaging waste management and the need for technical regulation from a business standpoint, with participants exploring existing practices and the challenges tied to the issue.

Attendees stressed that an effective waste management system would serve environmental goals while giving businesses a clear and predictable operating environment. Shalva Akhvlediani, Director of Tegeta Green Planet, presented the company’s vision and hands-on experience. Discussion topics included the Extended Producer Responsibility system, the role of businesses in waste management and practical obstacles to advancing a circular economy in Georgia.

As an EPR organisation, Tegeta Green Planet helps producers and importers meet their environmental obligations and supports an effective waste chain spanning collection, proper treatment and conversion into a resource. Akhvlediani detailed the company’s work with used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries, noting that a sustainable system demands coordinated cooperation among businesses, government and other stakeholders alongside practical experience.

The meeting underscored the value of technical regulation, with clear requirements and strong enforcement seen as ways to develop waste management, reinforce responsible business practices and encourage more efficient resource use. Developing a circular economy remains a key focus for Tegeta Green Planet, which continues working with the business, public and educational sectors so that waste management moves beyond regulatory compliance toward reuse and recycling opportunities.

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has raised concerns that overconfidence among UK motorists could be concealing a serious road safety problem. Fresh research indicates a notable gap between how drivers rate their own abilities and their actual vehicle maintenance habits. While 42 percent of drivers consider themselves above average at handling emergencies, that figure rises to 51 percent among men. Yet 1 in 10 has never examined tyre pressure or tread depth, and merely a quarter have done so within the previous month.

Regional patterns remain broadly similar, though behavioural differences point to inconsistent awareness and upkeep across the country. The organisation stresses that tyres represent the sole contact between a vehicle and the road, meaning even minor defects can materially affect braking, grip and control. TyreSafe is therefore urging drivers to incorporate regular tyre checks into their routines and to act before they react.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “Confidence is not a substitute for preparation. No matter how skilled a driver believes they are, tyres ultimately determine how a vehicle performs in an emergency. You cannot outdrive poor tyre condition. Regular checks are essential to ensure your vehicle responds as expected when it matters most.”

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Hankook Tire will debut at Euro Bus Expo in 2026, strengthening its presence in the UK passenger transport sector. The event runs from 3–5 November at the NEC Birmingham, bringing together operators, manufacturers, suppliers and decision-makers for three days of innovation and networking.

With over 190 exhibitors and more than 7,000 visitors expected, the exhibition showcases full-size buses, coaches, mini vehicles, advanced technologies and services, letting attendees connect with key suppliers across the global supply chain.

At stand 38, Hankook Tyre UK will present its latest bus and coach tyres, focusing on innovation, sustainability and performance. Highlights include the Smart Touring AL22 for long-distance coaches, the urban Smart City AU04+ and AU06 with measurable sidewall protection, the Laufenn LF60 for mixed-use applications and the new e-Smart City AU56 EV tyre engineered for low rolling resistance, reduced noise and higher electric vehicle loads.

With partner Vaculug, Hankook will launch the LB01, a first-of-its-kind hot-cure remoulded urban bus tyre, reinforcing its total tyre solutions role and circular economy commitment. Vaculug’s sustainable manufacturing expertise, recently recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise, supports the collaboration. The 2026 edition also offers seminars and technical sessions on industry trends and greener transport, giving Hankook a platform to boost visibility and reinforce its leadership in the commercial bus and coach tyre market.

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VMI has opened a new service facility in León, Mexico, as the company expands its local support for customers and its growing installed base.

The facility was officially opened on 8^th October , with a ceremony attended by Fonseca, the State’s Subsecretary; Rodriguez, Deputy Mayor Of León; and Harm Voortman, Chief Executive of VMI Group. Customers and local employees also attended the event, which included a tree-planting ceremony.

The company said the new facility had been designed with a focus on sustainability, including waste management and energy use. The tree planting highlighted VMI’s environmental commitments, following its recent achievement of EcoVadis Platinum status.

The opening follows VMI’s recent launch of a sales and support office in Yokohama, Japan, reflecting the importance of the Japanese market to the group.

Alongside the León opening, VMI held a customer seminar showcasing its latest innovations in tyre-building and tyre-component preparation solutions.

“This state-of-the-art facility in León, the drum workshop and our local presence, will help us support customers in Mexico more efficiently with faster response times and enhanced levels of service,” said Voortman.

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