Zeon reported a 115 percent jump in operating profit from its elastomer business in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, even as net sales across the segment stagnated, squeezed by a stronger yen and lower selling prices reflecting declining raw material costs.

Operating profit in the elastomer unit—including synthetic rubbers used in tyres—rose to ¥4.2 billion from ¥2.0 billion last quarter, as post-maintenance sales volumes improved and fixed costs dropped.

Segment revenue stood flat at ¥58.1 billion, down 4 percent year-on-year, with synthetic rubber sales slipping 2 percent to ¥44.5 billion. Chemicals revenue dropped 12 percent to ¥9.0 billion, while latexes rose 3 percent to ¥3.5 billion.

“Despite the impact of lower selling prices due to falling raw material prices and yen appreciation, both net sales and OP income were up due to higher shipments following the completion of regular maintenance and a reduction in headquarters expense allocation,” the company said in its earnings presentation.

For the full year, Zeon held its net sales forecast at ¥415.0 billion, up 4 percent year-on-year, but cut its operating income outlook to ¥30.5 billion, down 9 percent. The company also reaffirmed its ¥72 per share dividend for FY2025 and continued its 10 million share or ¥10 billion buyback programme.

While sales of general-purpose rubbers declined year-on-year due to export sluggishness and plant shutdowns, Zeon said shipments had rebounded quarter-on-quarter after completing maintenance at its Tokuyama and Singapore plants. Speciality rubbers also posted sequential growth, despite weak overseas demand.

Net profit for the quarter rose to ¥7.5 billion, up 24 percent from the previous quarter, supported by higher gains from investment securities and reduced impairment losses.

Zeon remains cautious for the year’s second half, citing US tariffs, volatile raw materials, and yen fluctuations. The company flagged potential shipment declines for optical films and synthetic rubbers in H2 but expects a recovery in FY2026.

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The Nokian Tyres Seasonproof 2 has been awarded the title of WhatTyre’s All-Season Tire of the Year 2025, securing top honours in both the Passenger Car and SUV categories. This recognition from WhatTyre is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process that synthesises data-driven insights from European magazine tests, an independent Tyrescore algorithm, expert reviews and ESG sustainability ratings.

The Seasonproof 2 emerged first out of 10 competing passenger car tyres and first out of seven SUV tyres. The SUV variant received an exceptional Tyrescore of 8.94, with judges commending its exemplary snow handling, A-rated wet grip, and improved rolling resistance that enhances fuel efficiency. The passenger car model was noted for delivering superior performance across critical wet, snow and aquaplaning tests, successfully combining year-round safety and reliability with a strong emphasis on sustainable design. This dual victory solidifies the tyre's position as a leading all-season product for European and UK drivers.

The verdict read: “The judges were very impressed with the Seasonproof 2 and have agreed that the improvements that Nokian Tyres has made over the past 12 months are commendable and highly deserve to take the crown for both of our all-season categories."

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Omni United Group is expanding the reach of its flagship brand, Radar Tyres, with the introduction of the Radar RED (Radar Elite Dealer) programme across Europe, United Kingdom and United States. Implemented in collaboration with local partners, this initiative is strategically designed to empower tyre dealers by enhancing their profitability, strengthening brand presence and elevating the overall customer experience.

The programme provides a comprehensive package of advantages built around high-performance products, exclusive privileges and a structured rewards system to foster business growth. Key benefits include competitive pricing and attractive margins supported by a range of premium yet affordable tyres, which are intended to boost sales and improve customer retention. Membership is structured around a three-tier system – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – where benefits scale according to annual sales volume.

Additional support comes in the form of marketing resources, including promotional materials for stores, local campaign assistance and visibility through the official Radar Dealer Locator. The programme also incorporates loyalty incentives such as monetary rewards, staff discounts and formal dealer recognition. To further enhance customer appeal, selected products come with exclusive protection plans and satisfaction guarantees. Dealers will also have access to specialised product training seminars and become part of an exclusive RED community.

The rollout of the Radar RED programme is being executed in phases. The initial phase launched in several countries including Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Portugal. A recently launched second phase introduces an enhanced version of the programme, complete with tiered rewards, loyalty incentives and the gradual deployment of dedicated Radar Network Managers in major markets such as UK, Spain, Italy, France and Germany.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, “The Radar RED programme is a strategic step to further fuel Radar’s continued growth in the region. This programme provides our partners with the tools, rewards and recognition needed to succeed in today’s market. We are committed to building long-lasting relationships with our retail partners and supporting them in making the brand more profitable. The current programme is just the basis: we will continue to develop it and support retailers in a highly competitive market.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced a significant victory for its flagship ADVAN tyres in the GT300 class during Round 5 of the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series at Suzuka Circuit. This marks the third win this season for a car equipped with ADVAN tyres, reinforcing Yokohama Rubber's strong position in the pursuit of a second consecutive GT300 championship.

The triumphant vehicle was the No. 7 CARGUY FERRARI 296 GT3, fielded by the CARGUY MKS RACING team, which is competing in its debut SUPER GT season. Driven by the rookie duo of Zak O’Sullivan and Rikuto Kobayashi, the car started on the front row after a strong qualifying performance. O’Sullivan aggressively challenged for the lead from the outset before handing over to Kobayashi on the 18th lap. Despite a radio failure that left him without communication from his team, Kobayashi delivered a remarkably consistent and fast drive, seizing the lead on lap 35 and securing a decisive victory by a 17-second margin.

Adding to the success of the ADVAN brand, a second car fitted with the tyres also achieved a podium finish. The No. 5 TEAM MACH entry, driven by Yusuke Shiotsu and Iori Kimura, crossed the line in third place, underscoring the competitive performance and reliability of Yokohama Rubber’s racing tyres under the demanding conditions of Japan’s premier GT racing series.

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Continental’s dedication to comprehensive environmental and social responsibility has been formally recognised with the 2025 Kalmar Sustainability Award. The honour was conferred at Kalmar’s Supplier Day event in Szczecin, Poland, following a rigorous independent evaluation.

Continental distinguished itself by earning the highest score on Kalmar’s supplier sustainability scorecard, which measures performance in critical areas like responsible sourcing, data transparency, hazardous substance compliance and active participation in sustainability initiatives.

This partnership is operationalised through Continental’s role as the premium supplier of V.ply and radial tyres for Kalmar’s port logistics vehicles, which include reach stackers, terminal tractors and container handlers. The collaboration is strengthened by a shared vision for a carbon-neutral future. Continental implements this vision by focusing on the entire tyre lifecycle, from employing energy-efficient production and sustainable materials to designing long-lasting products like the TerminalMaster tyre.

Digital tools such as ContiConnect further this mission by optimising tyre pressure and health, which reduces fuel consumption and extends tyre life, thereby minimising the overall environmental footprint. This award celebrates a synergistic alliance built on a mutual commitment to innovation and superior quality standards.

Christian Berner, Global Key Account Manager for Port Operations at Continental, said, “We are honoured to receive this award from Kalmar, a valued customer with whom we have enjoyed a strong partnership for more than 15 years. This award is a testament to our shared values: a strong commitment to sustainability and lifecycle responsibility as demonstrated in our yearly sustainability report.”

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