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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Vittoria has announced the return of a fan-favourite special edition tyre, the Corsa PRO Pink, now available to celebrate one of the most successful road tyres in cycling history. The original Corsa PRO has built its reputation on victories in Grand Tours, Classics and other elite races, making it the preferred choice for professional riders and teams competing on Vittoria equipment.

Officially launched on 28th April, the Corsa PRO Pink delivers identical performance to the standard model but features a distinctive pink sidewall. Available in 700x28c and 700x30c sizes, this special edition has been brought back by popular demand after its initial 2023 release. The Corsa PRO is recognised as the most advanced cotton tire ever produced, with engineers integrating the rubber tread into the cotton casing through newly developed vulcanization processes.

The tyre’s 320 TPI cotton casing, the finest on the market, provides the suppleness and comfort required at the highest levels of competition. Vittoria’s Graphene plus Silica compound enhances speed, durability and grip, making this tyre a top choice for road racing applications where peak performance is non-negotiable.

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Nexen Tire reported record first-quarter revenue and higher profitability, supported by stronger sales in Europe and North America and a shift towards higher-value products.

The company said revenue rose to KRW 838.3 billion in the three months to March, while operating profit reached KRW 54.2 billion. The increase came despite a “hostile business environment” marked by slowing global demand and geopolitical risks.

Sales were driven by solid performance in key markets, notably Europe and North America. A recent plant expansion in Europe improved production stability, enabling higher volumes from existing customers and new client wins.

Original equipment (OE) sales remained stable, supported by a diversified product portfolio, even as global automotive demand weakened.

Profitability improved on the back of a more favourable product mix and cost controls. The share of high-value products — including premium OE tyres and those for sport utility vehicles and electric vehicles — continued to rise. High-inch tyres, defined as 18 inches and above, accounted for 40 percent of total sales.

The company also said efforts to offset higher raw material and ocean freight costs contributed to margin gains.

Alongside its results, Nexen outlined measures to strengthen its global position, including expanding region-specific product offerings. In South Korea, it launched the high-performance N’FERA Sport and the all-weather N’BLUE 4SEASON 2, following earlier introductions in Europe and the US.

In Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, Nexen introduced the N’BLUE S summer tyre and pursued partnerships with local distributors to bolster retail competitiveness.

With external uncertainties expected to persist into the second quarter, the company said it would accelerate diversification of its global sales structure while maintaining growth in strategic markets such as Australia and Japan.

Nexen also plans to expand regional distribution centres and advance its AI-based virtual development process using a high dynamic driving simulator introduced last year.

A Nexen Tire official said: “We achieved solid results despite the uncertain business environment. We will continue to respond proactively to market changes while strengthening product competitiveness and operational efficiency to sustain quality growth.”

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Goodyear has reinforced its position as an all‑season tyre pioneer on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the world’s first all‑season tyre. The company introduced the Vector All Season 4, an engineering milestone shaped by decades of expertise and an award‑winning portfolio. With a new high‑contrast sidewall design and rim diameter coverage now reaching 23 inches, the tyre unlocks premium year‑round capability for vehicle segments that previously lacked any all‑season solution.

The Vector All Season 4 delivers optimised performance on dry roads, in rain and on light snow, carrying the European Three‑Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Developed with Goodyear’s latest technologies and dedicated materials, the tyre balances capabilities without compromising any single performance area, allowing it to adapt to changing temperatures, road conditions and driving styles.

Independent testing by TÜV SÜD, commissioned by Goodyear, confirmed the tyre as a well‑rounded product with consistently strong performance across all evaluated criteria, while AutoBild awarded it an ‘Exemplary’ rating. The tyre’s WeatherReady Technology, combining Dry Contact Plus, a 3D Blade Sipe System and a new compound formula, supports confident grip, effortless dry and wet control, improved tread wear and reduced rolling resistance – making it well suited for electric vehicles.

Designed for today’s heavier, more powerful and increasingly electrified vehicles, the Vector All Season 4 responds to evolving market demands with broader fitment. By 2026, the lineup will include 96 SKUs across 16‑ to 23‑inch rim diameters, with 66 percent of the range in 19 inches and above. For the first time, models such as the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Porsche Panamera and Macan, as well as the Audi A6 e‑tron, Q7 and SQ7, can combine confident all‑season performance with year‑round convenience. Fitments of 19 inches and above feature an exclusive laser‑engraved sidewall.

Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA, said, “Goodyear has played a defining role in shaping the all-season category since its very beginnings, starting with the launch of Goodyear Tiempo in 1977 – the world’s first all-season tyre. As we approach the 50-year anniversary of that milestone next year, Vector All Season 4 represents the next step in how we continue to redefine the all-season category. By raising all‑season performance and expanding the range to meet the demands of today’s premium and electric vehicles, we are making it easier than ever for more drivers to rely on a single tyre solution throughout the year.

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Hankook Tyre UK has confirmed it will continue as a key partner for the 2026 London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally, building on the success of the 2025 event. The premium tyre manufacturer reaffirmed its dedication to innovation, sustainability and the future of electric mobility. Scheduled for 20 June 2026, the rally will again bring together industry leaders, electric vehicle enthusiasts and the public for a major celebration of electric transport.

The event will commence in Westminster, with an electric vehicle convoy travelling through central London before finishing along Brighton’s seafront. More than 100 vehicles will take part, with drivers challenged to complete the route using minimal energy. This format highlights the critical importance of efficiency in advancing sustainable mobility. Upon arrival in Brighton, up to 35,000 spectators are expected to welcome participants at the seafront e-village.

Hankook will showcase its iON range, the world’s first complete tyre lineup developed specifically for electric vehicles. The company will also serve as the official sponsor of the awards ceremony, a highly anticipated after-party at the Malmaison, bringing together industry figures and participants for an evening celebrating energy efficiency and EV innovation. The event programme includes an electric stunt show, live music, interactive experiences and test drive opportunities.

Hankook’s iON range includes the iON evo for summer, the iON i*cept for winter, the all-weather iON FlexClimate and the iON GT for compact EVs, all available for SUVs. These tyres feature reduced rolling resistance, low noise levels and high load‑bearing capacity to handle instant torque and increased vehicle weight, thereby extending driving range and comfort. As the exclusive tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Hankook will also display a Formula E car and its racing tyre at its stand.

Harrison Hughes, Director of the London to Brighton EV Rally, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Hankook Tyre UK back as a key partner of the London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally. Their continued support plays an important role in helping us deliver and grow the event year on year, and we’re especially pleased to have them sponsoring the evening awards, which are a real highlight of the event.”

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