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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Michelin has expanded its retail network in Rajasthan by opening a new Michelin Tyres & Services outlet in Bikaner. The facility results from a partnership with Bhagwati Tyres and is situated on Jaipur Road near the Khatu Shyam Temple. This location is intended to improve regional access to the company’s premium tyre products and advanced automotive care.

The 7,000-square-foot establishment functions as a contemporary mobility hub with customer-focused infrastructure. Shoppers can find high-end tyres for passenger cars and two-wheelers, while on-site technicians provide wheel alignment, balancing and nitrogen inflation. The official opening ceremony featured Annu Mehla, the North and East B2C regional sales head, alongside representatives from Bhagwati Tyres.

Bhagwati Motors Nokha Private Limited has operated in Rajasthan since 2006 and possesses more than 20 years of local market experience. The firm has made substantial investments in spacious retail spaces to elevate the tyre buying experience. Through its collaboration with Michelin, the enterprise seeks to offer tyre solutions that emphasise safety, longevity and strong performance, thereby aiding the region’s automotive sector.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “As mobility aspirations continue to evolve across India, we are seeing growing demand for premium products and high-quality automotive services beyond traditional metropolitan markets. Bikaner represents an important growth market for Michelin in Rajasthan, driven by increasing vehicle ownership and a rising appreciation for performance and safety. This expansion is aligned with our plans to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, reinforcing our commitment to delivering globally benchmarked products tailored for Indian consumers.”

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LAUGFS Corporation (Rubber) Ltd, a prominent Sri Lankan manufacturer and exporter of high-quality industrial solid tyres, has announced the recent appointment of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chinthaka Wegapitiya, as Sectoral Head for Rubber Tyres and Accessories. This prestigious designation was conferred by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka.

The appointment underscores Wegapitiya’s leadership and dedication to advancing the nation’s export capabilities. In his new capacity, he is expected to tackle sector-specific challenges, promote collaborative efforts and drive strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s rubber tyre export industry. The company expressed confidence in his ability to excel in this important national role while anticipating continued progress for the sector.

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Apollo Tyres, the Lead Sponsor of the Indian National Cricket Teams, has launched a new campaign extending its ‘Har Safar Mein Dum Hai’ ethos to spotlight the Women in Blue. The initiative shifts focus from celebrated victories to the lesser‑seen, demanding journeys of female cricketers before they gained national recognition.

A newly released cinematic film captures the solitary and challenging paths of Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemima, Shafali and Renuka, set to an original soundtrack. It highlights formative struggles such as a young Shafali cutting her hair to join boys’ academies, Harmanpreet defying deep‑rooted conventions, Smriti drawing inspiration from her brother, Jemimah practicing with boys and Renuka enduring long commutes to training.

The digital‑first campaign will be amplified across YouTube and Meta, supported by localised digital out‑of‑home, influencer collaborations and interactive social media activations. The rollout targets cricket enthusiasts through a comprehensive distribution strategy across high‑impact digital touchpoints.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “‘Har Safar Mein Dum Hai’ has always been about celebrating the journey alongside the destination. As we carry this philosophy forward, with immense pride we share the untold stories of our Women in Blue. Their journeys, filled with courage and conviction, are a source of inspiration for the entire country. This campaign is a tribute to their unwavering spirit and our commitment to championing the values of perseverance and excellence, reflecting the same passion and respect we hold for all of Indian cricket.”

Simran Kanwar said, “Our vision was to create a film that felt distinct and deeply personal to the experiences of Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemima, Shafali and Renuka. While it stems from the same ‘Har Safar Mein Dum Hai’ ethos, the storytelling is uniquely tailored to reflect their individual struggles and triumphs. Through intimate storytelling and an emotionally driven soundtrack, we wanted audiences to connect with the heart behind women's cricket in India, powerfully reminding millions of young women across the nation that their journeys matter.”

Udyan Ghai, Group Head, Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This is not about replicating a formula; this campaign is a heartfelt extension of our core belief. The cultural momentum behind women’s cricket is undeniable, and we wanted to honour that by ensuring our storytelling was authentic and deeply connected to their unique experiences. With this chapter of ‘Har Safar Mein Dum Hai’, we are engaging audiences with stories of resilience that resonate universally, reinforcing that every journey to the top deserves to be celebrated with equal passion.”

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Pirelli will deploy its full range of tyre compounds across the upcoming Austrian and British Grand Prix races. For the Red Bull Ring event in Spielberg, teams gain access to the three softest mixtures in the range, designated C3, C4 and C5. The Silverstone race, however, sees a return to the hardest trio of C1, C2 and C3 compounds.

The Austrian circuit features the fewest corners and shortest lap time on the Formula One calendar, with heavy braking and acceleration zones. These characteristics generate predominantly thermal degradation in the tyres, while lateral loads on the axles remain low. Despite the track’s old and highly abrasive surface, pure tyre wear is not considered a decisive factor.

Silverstone adopts the Sprint weekend format this year and ranks among the longest circuits, dominated by high-speed corners that produce extreme lateral forces comparable to Suzuka and Spa-Francorchamps. Consequently, the front axle endures the highest stress, with the left-front tyre wearing more quickly due to the abundance of right-hand turns.

Pirelli serves as the title sponsor for the British Grand Prix weekend, a distinction it also holds for the Italian Grand Prix. This association links the manufacturer’s name with two of the most frequently held historic events in the Formula One World Championship.

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