Japanese chemical manufacturer Zeon Corporation reported a 10 percent increase in annual net sales to 420.6 billion yen ($2.75 billion) for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025, buoyed by steady performance in specialty materials and improved elastomer shipments.

The Tokyo-based company supplies synthetic rubber and specialty chemicals to the tyre industry. Despite headwinds in some market segments, its operating income surged 43 percent to 29.3 billion yen.

Elastomer Business Shows Robust Growth

Zeon’s elastomer business, which includes synthetic rubbers for tyre manufacturing, posted a robust 65 per cent increase in operating profit to 10.9 billion yen on sales of 236.6 billion yen, up 10 per cent from the previous year.

The company’s synthetic rubber segment benefited from selling price adjustments that reflected rising raw material costs, particularly butadiene, which saw a 44 percent price increase in Asian markets during the fiscal year. The continued depreciation of the yen also contributed positively to overseas sales.

Production Recovery After Maintenance Periods

“Following the completion of regular maintenance at the Takaoka plants, shipments recovered quarter-on-quarter,” Zeon stated in its earnings presentation, though it noted that “a loose supply-demand balance, particularly overseas, led to flat shipments year-on-year” for speciality rubbers.

For general-purpose rubbers used in tyre manufacturing, the company reported a recovery in sales volumes following maintenance work at its Tokuyama and Takaoka plants, though shipment adjustments due to regular maintenance at its Singapore facility led to a year-on-year decrease.

Cautious Outlook For Fiscal 2025

Looking ahead, Zeon forecasts a 5 percent decrease in consolidated net sales to 409.5 billion yen for fiscal 2025, with operating income expected to decline 5 percent to 28 billion yen. The company cited anticipated yen appreciation and lower raw material costs as factors behind the projected decrease.

The elastomer business is expected to see a significant drop in operating profit to 7.5 billion yen, down 34 percent from the previous year, reflecting challenging market conditions.

Strategic Plan Forthcoming

Zeon will announce the third phase of its medium-term business plan on 11 June  2025. This phase is expected to outline the company’s strategy for navigating the changing landscape in the synthetic rubber and specialty materials markets.   

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Chennai-headquartered tyre major Apollo Tyres has announced the appointment of Mahalakshmi Ramaswami as its new Chief Human Resources Officer effective immediately, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Ramaswami’s appointment was approved by the board of directors following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Prior to joining Apollo Tyres, she most recently served as the Head of HR for the Southeast Asia Cluster based in Singapore at Mondelez International.

She brings over two decades of experience across multinational organisations spanning fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and consulting sectors.

During her tenure at Mondelez, Ramaswami is credited to have a played pivotal role as the HR Director for India Region in the business turnaround by aligning people strategy with organisational objectives.

She also has held leadership roles at prominent Indian and multinational companies including Bharti Group, Ranbaxy, Ballarpur Industries and EY.

Ramaswami holds an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (Hons.) from Delhi University.

On the other hand, as part of the Management Restructuring at Apollo Tyres, Dipankar Ghosh, Group Head of HR Business Partnership for Manufacturing & Projects, will no longer be part of the senior management structure as defined under securities regulations, effective 16 July.

The restructuring reflects Apollo Tyres’ strategic focus on strengthening its human capital capabilities as the company navigates competitive pressures in both domestic and international markets.

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Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

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Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

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The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.

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