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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A landmark supply agreement was formalised at the PIF Private Sector Forum 2026 in Riyadh to advance local manufacturing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) will provide polybutadiene rubber and carbon black to a joint venture established by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Pirelli. This partnership will supply the raw materials necessary to produce three and a half million tyres annually at a facility within the King Salman Automotive Cluster at King Abdullah Economic City.

This initiative marks a significant step for the NUSANED localisation programme by enhancing domestic content and establishing a comprehensive tyre production value chain within Saudi Arabia. The agreement is unprecedented as it enables the complete manufacturing of car tyres locally. It will result in the creation of a bespoke Saudi tyre brand specifically designed for passenger vehicles and regional car manufacturers, operating alongside the production of Pirelli-branded tyres.

The PIF Private Sector Forum serves as a vital platform connecting PIF-related companies, government entities and private firms to cultivate new partnerships. The event plays a crucial role in enabling the private sector to drive transformative projects. It facilitates the exploration of high-potential opportunities that support business expansion and contribute to shaping the nation's economic future, in direct alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

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Maxion Wheels South Africa played host to the Guinness World Record (GWR) Challenge4 team on 25 February 2026, marking a significant moment for the company’s local operations. The team is currently undertaking an ambitious attempt to secure their ninth world record by driving a fully electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz across six continents and through more than 75 countries. The vehicle is fitted with Maxion wheels, showcasing the company’s engineering capabilities in one of the most demanding electric vehicle journeys ever conceived.

The visit to the company’s light vehicle aluminium wheels plant near Johannesburg gave employees a firsthand opportunity to engage with the team and observe how Maxion’s advanced wheel technology performs under extreme global conditions. More than a technical showcase, the event highlighted the company’s central role in accelerating the global transition to electric mobility and its increasing contribution to South Africa’s own sustainable transportation evolution.

With worldwide EV adoption accelerating, Maxion Wheels continues to support its customers by delivering innovative steel and aluminium wheel solutions that prioritise functionality, safety and efficiency. This forward-looking approach is evident at the Johannesburg facility, where recent investments in solar energy underscore a firm commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing. The integration of renewable power reinforces the company’s dedication to maintaining a sustainable and resilient industrial presence in the region.

The Challenge4 expedition, which began in July 2025, is scheduled to cover more than 80,000 kilometres across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas. The team expects to complete the historic journey in the second half of 2026.

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Hankook Tire is preparing to drive excitement in the final stretch of TGL Presented by SoFi Season 2 as the tech-driven golf league approaches its regular-season climax. The concluding three matches are scheduled to take place from 1 to 3 March 2026 at the SoFi Center in Florida, marking a significant moment for both the league and its founding partner.

As the first Official Tire Partner and a Founding Partner of TGL, Hankook Tire has maintained a strong presence throughout the season, leveraging its global ‘Hankook’ brand across multiple platforms. From stadium LED displays to television commercials and live broadcast graphics, the brand has engaged golf fans around the world. This visibility aligns with Chairman Hyunbum Cho’s vision of ‘Innovative Technology’, through which the company seeks to merge mobility and sports while reinforcing its premium identity in approximately 150 broadcast markets.

The path to the championship is far from decided. The action begins on 1 March 2026 with a highly anticipated clash between Jupiter Links GC, co-founded by Tiger Woods, and the league-leading Boston Common Golf, backed by Rory McIlroy. This matchup is more than a meeting of celebrity owners; for the sixth-place Jupiter Links, a victory is essential to break into the top four and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The following day, Los Angeles and New York golf clubs face off in a contest with significant playoff implications. Both teams are locked in tight races with their counterparts, where tiebreakers like total holes won could ultimately decide their fate. Each squad understands that a commanding win is their best path forward. The regular season then concludes on 3 March 2026 with a rematch, as The Bay Golf Club and Jupiter Links GC battle to secure their positions, ensuring every shot until the final hole carries immense weight.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd recently marked the seventh edition of EK NAAM, its flagship programme dedicated to recognising and uplifting women entrepreneurs from underserved communities. The initiative, launched in 2019, has evolved into a significant platform that celebrates grassroots women leaders who drive community transformation and inclusive development through their resilience and vision. By spotlighting their achievements, Apollo Tyres reinforces its commitment to fostering gender equity and enabling sustainable livelihoods.

At this year’s ceremony, eight remarkable women were honoured as EK NAAM Change Agents for their outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. The awardees included Sahida Beevi, Seemamol S, Meera Appa, Pinki Ji, Manjulaben Patel, Kavita Ji, Gohil Dakshaben and Bahamuni Kisku. Their recognition followed targeted support and collaboration between Apollo Tyres and its NGO partners, underscoring the impact of structured interventions in empowering women at the grassroots level.

The event featured notable voices who enriched the discourse on equity and inclusion. Gregor Trumel, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs and Director of The French Institute in India, spoke on the importance of diversity in strengthening societies and international partnerships. R Mahalakshmi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Apollo Tyres, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to inclusive growth, emphasising that supporting women entrepreneurs is essential for lasting community progress. A special interaction with Anjum Chopra, former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, offered the audience valuable perspectives on leadership and determination.

The occasion also saw Apollo Tyres Foundation reaffirm its strategic alliance with Saral Jeevan India Foundation and Frontier Markets, aimed at expanding economic opportunities for rural women through digital platforms. Ajaita Shah, Founder and CEO of Frontier Markets, highlighted the vital role of women-led enterprises in fostering grassroots economic development. Additionally, a panel discussion titled ‘Justice in Action: Advancing Equity for Inclusive Futures’ called for moving beyond conversation to concrete systemic change, ensuring fairness and access for marginalised groups by embedding equity into policy and practice.

Through EK NAAM, Apollo Tyres continues to advance its sustainability goals in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, positioning women as key drivers of change and community resilience.

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