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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For the second year running, CHIMEI Corporation has secured the prestigious Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it in the top one percent of 150,000+ global companies evaluated for sustainability performance. This recognition reflects CHIMEI’s excellence across environmental stewardship, labour practices, ethical operations and sustainable procurement.

The EcoVadis assessment, a gold standard for corporate sustainability, has seen growing participation and stricter criteria as ESG awareness rises worldwide. CHIMEI demonstrated particular progress in 2025, advancing its Sustainable Procurement score through platinum-level Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) certification. This strengthened supply chain oversight, workplace safety standards and employee welfare initiatives. The company also elevated its Ethics performance via ISO 27001 information security and ISO 37001 anti-bribery certifications, reinforcing governance transparency.

Since joining EcoVadis evaluations in 2021, CHIMEI has systematically enhanced its sustainability framework through continuous strategy reviews and operational improvements. Back-to-back Platinum ratings validate its leadership in sustainable business practices and commitment to the ‘Clean & Green’ vision. Moving forward, CHIMEI will intensify efforts in carbon reduction, eco-innovation, and supply chain collaboration to accelerate progress towards net-zero goals. This achievement not only recognises current performance but also fuels the company’s drive to set new benchmarks in responsible corporate citizenship.

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For nearly three decades, Titan International has championed agricultural preservation and education through its Antique Tractor Restoration Program. Since 1996, the company has contributed over USD 1 million to FFA chapters nationwide through tyre donations, auctions, and fundraising support – including USD 50,000 worth of tyres in 2025 alone. These investments have enabled students to breathe new life into historic farm equipment while developing hands-on technical skills.

The programme’s impact shines through success stories like Jenna Rosener, a 4-H member from Anthon, Iowa, whose restored tractor earned recognition at the Iowa State Fair thanks to Titan’s rear tyre donation. Similarly, Nevada FFA Chapter President Lily Henderson redirected savings from Titan’s donated tyres towards premium restoration materials for her 1948 Oliver tractor project. According to Nevada High School agriculture instructor Kevin Cooper, such partnerships do more than preserve machinery – they inspire future agricultural leaders.

Beyond individual projects, Titan’s commitment extends to community engagement. This year marks their inaugural sponsorship of the Central Iowa Tractor Club Display at the Iowa State Fair, featuring over 70 vintage and modern tractors. The exhibit offers fairgoers a tangible connection to farming’s evolution while showcasing student restoration achievements.

From California to Maine, Titan’s specialised antique tractor tyres and restoration support help students master mechanical skills, project management and agricultural history. By bridging generations through these initiatives, Titan reinforces its dual mission: honouring farming’s heritage while equipping the innovators who will shape its future.

Kim Boccardi, VP – Marketing, Titan, said, “At Titan, we believe strong roots lead to a stronger future. Through our Antique Tractor Restoration Program, we're not only helping preserve agricultural history but also inspiring tomorrow’s innovators, teachers, technicians and leaders. I wish I’d had access to a programme like this when I was in 4-H – it truly fosters craftsmanship, education and community, and fuels the passion for farming for generations to come.”

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Bridgestone Americas has unveiled its latest innovation for the trucking industry with the launch of the W920, a tandem-axle radial drive tyre built to deliver reliable performance in all seasons. Engineered with Bridgestone’s next-generation ENLITEN technology, the W920 combines extended tread life, superior traction, and sustainability enhancements to meet the evolving demands of commercial fleets.

As the third ENLITEN-equipped tyre introduced for the commercial truck segment in 2025, the W920 represents Bridgestone’s commitment to advanced engineering that aligns with both operational efficiency and environmental goals. The tyre builds on the success of its predecessor, the W919, with notable improvements, including Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for dependable performance in rain and snow.

Fleet operators can expect a six percent increase in wear life compared to competitors like the Michelin XDS 2, translating to an estimated 10,000 additional miles (17,000 kilometres) per tyre, states the company. The W920’s non-directional tread design simplifies mounting and rotation, while features such as stone rejector platforms, specialised tread compounds and full-depth sipes enhance durability and all-weather capability. Additionally, the tyre’s premium casing supports multiple retread cycles, further extending its service life.

Manufactured at Bridgestone’s Warren County Plant in Tennessee, the W920 will debut in the 11R22.5 size, with additional sizes planned for release in 2026.

Brad Booth, Director, Canadian Commercial Sales, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Weather plays a significant role in every fleet’s journey. Our aim with the W920 is to mitigate risks and elements that weather brings to the road and give drivers more confidence in these uncertain conditions. The Bridgestone W920 tyre with ENLITEN technology illustrates our company’s passion for bringing products to the market that directly respond to the needs of fleets in different regions.”

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) projects total tyre shipments will reach a historic high of 340.2 million units in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 337.3 million set in 2024. This represents a 0.9 percent year-over-year increase and a 2.3 percent gain compared to 2019 levels (332.7 million), signalling continued recovery and growth in the tyre industry.

The forecast reveals diverging trends between original equipment (OE) and replacement markets. OE shipments are expected to decline across all categories, with passenger tyres dropping 2.0 percent (42.3 million units), light truck tyres down 1.4 percent (6.6 million) and truck tyres falling 8.0 percent (5.2 million) compared to 2024. This 1.4-million-unit overall reduction reflects softening demand from vehicle manufacturers.

In contrast, the replacement market shows robust growth, particularly in light truck (37.7 million units, +2.5 percent) and truck tyres (24.3 million, +3.7 percent), which have surged 15.7 percent and 28.2 percent, respectively, since 2019. Passenger replacement tyres (224.2 million) maintain steady demand with a 1.2 percent annual increase. Combined, replacement shipments are projected to grow by 4.4 million units in 2025.

These trends highlight shifting dynamics in the tyre industry, with aftermarket demand driving overall growth even as OE shipments contract. The data suggests consumers are prioritising tyre replacements and upgrades, potentially influenced by extended vehicle ownership cycles and evolving fleet needs.

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