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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Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone), has launched the next generation of its ultra-high-performance summer tyre, the Firehawk INDY 500 V2. This tyre builds upon its predecessor's legacy by incorporating advanced ENLITEN technology, marking its first use in a Firestone ultra-high-performance product. This integration aims to deliver a heightened driving experience while also focusing on sustainable performance and improved fuel efficiency through reduced rolling resistance.

Engineered specifically for sports cars and sedans, the tyre is offered in 65 sizes to accommodate wheel diameters from 16 to 20 inches. It is designed as a fitting match for popular performance models such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger and Challenger, Mazda Miata and Nissan 350Z/370Z. The design intent is to translate Firestone's storied IndyCar racing heritage into a tangible driving dynamic for everyday enthusiasts.

Significant technical enhancements define the new V2 model. A revised tread pattern and compound work together to provide sharper steering response and increased cornering stability, fostering a more connected feel between driver and road. Furthermore, the tyre's construction prioritises durability and all-weather capability. Its optimised contact patch and specialised groove design promote even wear for extended tread life while also efficiently channelling water away to maintain reliable wet-weather braking and handling.

This introduction continues the celebration of Firestone's 125th anniversary, reinforcing the brand's commitment to offering dependable, high-value performance. The Firehawk INDY 500 V2 is now available for purchase, presented as a balanced offering that seeks to unite responsive driving excitement with considerations for longevity and environmental efficiency.

Todd Chapman, Senior Manager – Product Strategy, Bridgestone Americas, said, “The new Firehawk INDY 500 V2 tyre is for enthusiasts who dream of the excitement that’s only found behind the wheel. Inspired by the iconic motorsport legacy at Firestone, the Firehawk INDY 500 V2 tyre is designed to deliver the sporty grip and responsive steering that can elevate every drive into an exhilarating adventure, whether on the road or on the circuit.”

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Capitalising on its role as the official ball of the Australian Open, Dunlop Tyres is launching a major pan-European campaign to align its tyre brand with the tournament’s elite sporting values. This new initiative will unfold across Warner Bros. Discovery platforms throughout the 2026 event (18 January – 1 February), leveraging the competition’s global prestige to enhance brand perception in key markets.

The campaign will achieve blanket coverage via extensive broadcasting on Eurosport and TNT Sports, reaching audiences in 46 countries. In territories such as Germany and Austria, this presence will be exclusive. As a sponsorship partner for the tournament’s broadcasts, Dunlop will consistently associate its brand with core attributes of precision, performance and reliability, effectively transferring these qualities from professional tennis to its automotive products.

Central to the strategy is high-visibility branding during premium match coverage. Sponsorship bumpers will feature in all live broadcasts, replays and highlight summaries across linear TV and streaming services like HBO Max and discovery+. This ensures continuous engagement with sports-focused audiences. Additional impact will be driven by integrating these bumpers into promotional trailers within other high-reach programming, amplifying awareness before and during the Grand Slam.

This activation underscores Dunlop’s century-long legacy in tennis, dating back to its early manufacture of tennis balls in the UK. By anchoring its campaign around the season’s first major tournament, Dunlop reinforces a deep commitment to the sport at every level. The partnership symbolises the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation, strengthening its international positioning through a revered and enduring sporting collaboration.

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Maxam Tyre Europe, a division of the globally ranked Sailun Group, has entered a strategic partnership with farming influencer Tom Pemberton, known for his popular Tom Pemberton Farm Life digital channels. This collaboration was unveiled at the prominent UK agricultural event, LAMMA Show 2026, where Maxam is presenting its expanding agricultural tyre line with its exclusive distributor, Kirkby Tyres.

Under this new alliance, Pemberton will equip some of his farm machinery with MAXAM agricultural tyres. He will then provide his substantial and dedicated following across the UK and Ireland with authentic, practical evaluations based on daily use. His credible voice, built through sharing genuine farm life insights, will offer his community a trusted look at the tyres' real-world performance, durability and innovative features.

This initiative allows Maxam to connect directly with the farming community through a respected peer. Pemberton’s experiential content will be featured across his own platforms as well as on Maxam’s official social media channels. The partnership is designed to enhance brand recognition and practically demonstrate the value of the MAXAM specialist tyre range to a core audience of agricultural professionals.

Pemberton said, “I’m pleased to be working with Maxam agricultural tyres. It’s a fast-growing brand, at the cutting edge of technology and with good people; we already spent some time on my family’s farm together. It’s a partnership that feels like a good fit and one that I’m looking forward to developing over time.”

Harry Wang, General Manager, Sailun Group Europe, said, "Maxam agricultural tyres have proven their performance for example in the test conducted by DLG (German Agricultural Society) and being OE partner of leading agricultural equipment manufacturers like CASE IH and New Holland. Now is the time to further develop the brand and spread the word within the farming community. We feel privileged that Tom has agreed to work with the Maxam brand – and we really like his style and share the same passion for farming.”

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BKT Tires has achieved a noteworthy initial rating from the international environmental watchdog, CDP. The company’s inaugural disclosure for the 2025 fiscal year resulted in a ‘B’ score for its climate change management and a ‘B-’ in water security.

These ratings, issued by the global Carbon Disclosure Project, highlight BKT’s emphasis on operational transparency and its structured approach to environmental stewardship. The scores are recognised as an affirmation of the firm’s strategic initiatives aimed at minimising its ecological footprint and enhancing climate resilience throughout its business activities.

The accomplishment is attributed to the concerted effort of the organisation’s workforce. This milestone establishes a benchmark for BKT’s ongoing journey towards its sustainability objectives.

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