Yokohama reported a decline in the sales and business profits for its tyre segment for the first quarter, ending March 2020.

The company’s tyre business’ sales declined 12.71% to 87.410 billion yen in Q12020.  It reported a net loss of 503 million yen in Q12020.

The company said the downturn in business profit reflected a decline in unit sales volume, an increase in production costs associated with reduced production volume, and inventory-adjustment costs occasioned by a tyre recall in North America.

Both domestic and international markets saw a fall in sales. “That decline reflected production adjustments necessitated by a decline in Japanese demand associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and by suspended operation at vehicle plants in overseas markets,” said Yokohama.

Sales revenue also declined in replacement tyres. Sales of winter tyres in Japan were weak on account of warmer-than-usual winter temperatures at the outset of the year, and Japanese business in replacement tyres also suffered from the adverse effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on consumer spending. Business in replacement tyres was generally sluggish in overseas markets, too.
ATG, a part of Yokohama looking into agri, industrial and OTR tyres, also had a fall in sales and profits due low demand.

ATG’s sales stood at 15.54 billion yen in Q12020,  a fall of 17%, from 18.86 billion yen in Q12019. Profit fell by 22% to 1.78 billion yen in Q12020.

The massive business disruption caused by COVID-19 will necessitate revisions in the full-year fiscal projections that Yokohama issued in February 2020. However, the full extent of that disruption is impossible to determine at this time, and the company will therefore withhold for the time being the release of revised business projections and of proposed dividends. Yokohama will release its revised business projections and proposals for dividends as soon as management secures a firm grasp of the fiscal outlook.

Several measures are under way at Yokohama to maintain a sound financial position in the face of the COVID-19 challenge. Those measures include fortifying short-term liquidity through optimal fund raising, paring cash expenditures by deferring capital spending and trimming costs, and reducing compensation for directors, officers, associate officers, and managers.

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Falken has once again demonstrated its strength in the summer tyre segment, with the ZIEX ZE320 securing an impressive second-place finish in Autoflotte’s latest test. Scoring a total of 791 points, the tyre competed in the popular 235/55 R18 size against a strong field of rivals, reinforcing its status as a top-tier choice for discerning drivers.

Safety on wet roads proved to be a defining strength. The ZIEX ZE320 set the benchmark in longitudinal aquaplaning with the highest recorded speed, while its performance in lateral aquaplaning and critical cornering remained composed and predictable. A wet braking distance of 36.1 metres earned a solid good rating, placing it among the frontrunners. The tyre’s wet handling further impressed with precise steering response and stable road manners, instilling confidence in challenging conditions.

On dry surfaces, the Falken tyre delivered an equally compelling account of itself. It was praised for being highly agile through corners, offering precise lane stability and clear feedback that earned a rating of almost very good. The standout achievement came in dry braking, where a stopping distance of just 33.6 metres from 100 kmph was the best in the entire test, surpassing even established premium names. This result underscores the tyre’s formidable safety credentials during summer driving.

Beyond pure performance, the ZIEX ZE320 excels in efficiency and comfort. Rolling resistance was recorded at a competitive 6.7 kg/t, keeping it close to premium rivals, while interior noise levels ranked among the quietest in the group. Ride comfort emerged as a particular highlight, earning the top very good rating and leading the category. By blending exceptional aquaplaning resistance, class-leading braking, refined comfort and precise handling, Falken has delivered a well-rounded package that is especially compelling for SUV drivers who prioritise safety and reliability, all supported by a five-year guarantee.

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Bridgestone Americas has secured a spot on the Forbes 2026 Best Brands for Social Impact list for the third year running, claiming the number 20 position. This represents a dramatic ascent of 71 places compared to the previous year’s ranking. The company’s standing is particularly notable as it surpassed all other tyre manufacturers as well as businesses in the auto repair and maintenance sectors, underscoring a strong and favourable public perception.

The company’s longstanding approach to community engagement has been driven by key alliances with organisations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Nature Conservancy and United Way. Since 2015, these efforts have translated into the donation of nearly 100 passenger vans to Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, the planting of over eighty-five thousand trees and total contributions exceeding USD 45 million. Additionally, Bridgestone team members contribute more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service each year to support vital local programmes.

Beyond these efforts, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, established in 1952 by Harvey Firestone, Jr., operates as the largest corporate foundation within the United States tyre industry. It provides annual grants to national and local nonprofits whose missions align closely with the company’s operational footprint and its strategic direction as a sustainable mobility provider. Funding priorities also include employee matching gifts for causes related to diversity, education, mobility and employment access, with many grant recipients selected through a teammate-driven process designed to broaden participation in the company’s philanthropic impact.

Now in its fourth year, the Forbes list identifies the top 300 brands nationwide based on consumer perception. Developed in collaboration with HundredX, the ranking evaluated nearly 5,500 unique brands through surveys of more than 200,000 individuals. The assessment measures how the public views a brand’s trustworthiness, social stances, sustainability efforts and commitment to community support, reinforcing Bridgestone’s elevated standing in this year’s results.

Sara Correa, Chief Marketing Officer, Bridgestone West and Bridgestone Americas; Head of Bridgestone Americas Business Services, said “This recognition is a testament to every Bridgestone employee, customer and partner who is committed to driving meaningful impact in the communities where we move, live, work and play. The mission of our company has always been serving society with superior quality and a core belief that what’s good for society is good for business.”

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Giti Tire has kicked off an exciting new chapter in motorsport by securing the role of Official Race Tyre for the Lotus Cup China, with the season commencing at the Sepang International Circuit. The races will see competitors utilising the GitiCompete GTR1 in the 240/650R18 and 300/650R18 sizes, setting the stage for a season defined by precision and endurance.

Spanning five rounds from April through December 2026, the championship has drawn significant participation, with 17 teams, 58 drivers and 44 cars registered. This year’s calendar represents a major milestone for the series, as it unfolds across one of Asia’s most technically challenging venues where the demands on performance, reliability and safety reach their peak.

At the core of this competitive effort is the GitiCompete GTR1, a high-performance slick purpose-built for racing environments. Engineered to deliver unwavering confidence on track, it combines advanced tread compounds and an optimised contact patch for superior grip and stability during high-speed cornering and heavy braking. Its ability to maintain consistent handling under extreme temperatures, coupled with efficient heat management for sustained performance over long stints, gives drivers the precise steering response needed to push to the limit.

Motorsport serves as a vital proving ground for Giti’s broader innovation efforts. Every lap at Sepang generates critical data on wear patterns, heat cycles and grip under stress – insights that are directly channelled into the company’s research and development. This real-world feedback allows Giti to refine compounds and structural designs, elevate safety and performance benchmarks and accelerate the creation of next-generation products.

Race Schedule

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Oak Group Holdings has secured the acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries (ETB), a UK automotive service provider formerly owned by Bridgestone. This purchase introduces a significant new distribution channel for the expanding company while marking a strategic shift in its operational reach.

With ETB now fully integrated into the portfolio, Oak gains four warehouses spanning Wales, the Midlands and the Southwest of England. These additions bolster the firm’s existing wholesale network and extend its geographical presence across key regions. The deal also grants Oak direct access to consumers through ETB’s established fast-fit network – a first in the company’s 45-year history – allowing its technology-driven and brand-focused service model to enter the fast-fit sector.

The two companies' brand portfolios are well matched, allowing for a smooth transition to the current tyre brands presently under the Oak Group banner, which include Davanti, Envoy, Landsail, Linglong, Delinte and Aptany, ensuring continuity and strengthening the combined offering, said the company.

Peter Cross, Commercial Director, Oak Group Holdings, said, “2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Oak. This milestone acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business, our continued investment and our long-term commitment as a wholesaler operating in what has been a turbulent and challenging market in recent years. We are very excited to welcome ETB colleagues to the Oak Group. We know the ETB team has vast experience and our values are closely aligned in terms of the importance of customer service in every aspect of what we do.”

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