Bridgestone Reports Mixed H1 Results as Restructuring Efforts Show Promise
- By TT News
- August 13, 2025
Japanese tyre maker maintains 2025 guidance despite profit decline
Bridgestone Corp, the world's one of largest tyre manufacturers, reported a 42 percent decline in first-half net profit as restructuring costs weighed on earnings, though the company maintained its full-year guidance amid improving operational performance.
The Tokyo-based company posted net profit attributable to shareholders of 115.5 billion yen for the six months ended June 30, down from 199.1 billion yen a year earlier. The decline was primarily due to exceptional gains from asset sales recorded in the previous year.
Revenue fell three percent to 2.12 trillion yen, reflecting challenging market conditions across key regions. However, adjusted operating profit rose two percent to 234.6 billion yen, with margins improving to 11.1 percent from 10.5 percent in the same period last year.
"Return from business rebuilding" and "business cost reduction" initiatives contributed positively to results, the company said, offsetting headwinds from raw material costs and foreign exchange fluctuations.
Regional performance varied significantly. The Europe, Middle East and Africa segment showed the strongest improvement, with adjusted operating profit surging 151 percent to 18.5 billion yen as restructuring efforts began to bear fruit. The Americas division also posted a four percent increase in operating profit despite a six percent revenue decline.
However, Japan, the company's home market, saw operating profit drop 12 percent to 82.5 billion yen as margins compressed to 13.7 percent from 16.0 percent previously.
Bridgestone maintained its 2025 guidance, projecting revenue of 4.33 trillion yen and adjusted operating profit of 505 billion yen. The company revised down its estimate of the impact from US tariffs to 25 billion yen from a previous 45 billion yen forecast in May.
"Counter the direct impact of US tariffs — Impact on AOP has been revised from 45 billion yen level (May guidance) to 25 billion yen level (August guidance)," the company stated in its presentation.
The tyre maker is progressing with its capital allocation strategy announced in February, including a 300 billion yen share buyback programme. As of end-July, approximately 47% of the repurchase plan had been completed.
Global CFO and Executive Director Naoki Hishinuma highlighted the company's focus on premium segments and operational improvements as key drivers for future growth.
Bridgestone's diversified products business, including air springs and chemical products, remained under pressure with an eight percent decline in both revenue and operating profit during the half-year period.
Sabrina Soussan Nominated To Succeed Reitzle As Chair Of Continental’s Supervisory Board
- By TT News
- September 20, 2025
Continental AG’s Supervisory Board is experiencing a significant transformation in the wake of its Aumovio spin-off. This restructuring involves several high-profile departures and new appointments. Stefan E Buchner resigned on 4 September 2025 to assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the newly independent Aumovio SE. Shortly thereafter, on 17 September, Dr Gunter Dunkel also stepped down.
The most significant new appointment is that of Sabrina Soussan, who is slated to join as a shareholder representative. Subject to her anticipated formal appointment by the local court at the end of September 2025, Soussan will then be nominated for election at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 30 April 2026. Following that meeting, the Supervisory Board is expected to elect her as its new Chairperson. She will succeed the long-serving Prof Wolfgang Reitzle, who is scheduled to conclude his 16-year tenure at the close of the 2026 meeting.
Soussan is a German-French executive with over 25 years of experience in the automotive and transport sectors. Her extensive background includes leadership roles such as CEO of Siemens Mobility, senior positions at Siemens VDO and Continental, and most recently, serving as CEO and Chair of the French SUEZ Group. She also holds a position on the Shareholders’ Committee at Henkel.
Substantial changes are also occurring among the employee representatives. Petra Hartwig, Sabine Kühn, Michael Linnartz and Nicole Werner have been nominated for appointment, which is also expected to be finalised by the court in late September. Their appointments follow the resignations of several individuals, including Christiane Benner and Dr Matthias Ebenau, who stepped down because their roles at IG Metall no longer encompass responsibility for Continental. Furthermore, the employee representatives from the spun-off automotive business have also departed.
Assuming all anticipated court appointments proceed, the reconstituted Supervisory Board will comprise a blend of continuing and new members, including Prof Reitzle until his departure, and the newly appointed representatives.
Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of the Continental Supervisory Board, said, “Following the successful spin-off of Aumovio, we are now paving the way for an orderly succession. In Sabrina Soussan, the Nomination Committee has secured a highly qualified candidate for this role. I look forward to working with her and the other new Supervisory Board members. I would also like to thank the departing members for their commitment during this intense phase of transformation and for many years of trusted collaboration on the board.”
Soussan said, “Being nominated to the Continental Supervisory Board is a great honour for me. I look forward to becoming part of this outstanding team and supporting the Executive Board in implementing its strategy.”
BKT Tires Appoints Paolo Mantovani As Head Of OEM Industrial & OTR Europe
- By TT News
- September 19, 2025
BKT Tires has reinforced its organisational structure with the strategic appointment of Paolo Mantovani as its Head of OEM Industrial & OTR Europe. This move signifies a key development for the European division of Balkrishna Industries Ltd as it pursues an elevated position within the global Original Equipment sector.
Mantovani is positioned to play a critical role in this expansion, leveraging his 15 years of comprehensive experience across various European tyre industry segments, including passenger vehicles, trucks, retreading and off-road machinery. His established commercial expertise and strategic insight into original equipment manufacturer requirements are anticipated to be instrumental in driving growth for BKT within the industrial and off-the-road tyre markets.
His primary responsibilities will involve implementing a defined strategy to enhance the company's OEM channel, solidifying its international presence. This will entail nurturing and expanding partnerships with equipment manufacturers, championing innovative initiatives and advancing the company's overarching objective of achieving sustainable and profitable worldwide growth.
Hankook Tyre UK Expands Truck And Bus Team With Two Key Appointments
- By TT News
- September 14, 2025
Hankook Tyre UK has expanded its Truck and Bus team with two key appointments. Jason Bloor has been appointed as National Account Manager, while Peter Hatton has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager for the combined Midlands and Northwest region.
Bloor, who will be overseeing national fleets activities, brings with him 34 years of experience in the tyre industry, while Hatton, who joined Hankook Tyre UK in May, has over three decades of expertise in the tyre and transport industry.
Chang-Yool Han, Managing Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Following the opening of Hankook House, our new UK headquarters, we are pursuing ambitious growth plans for the UK market. We are delighted to welcome Jason Bloor and Peter Hatton to the team. Their extensive industry experience will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on the company’s continued success."
Bloor said, “I joined the tyre industry straight out of school in 1991 starting as a fitter where I discovered a passion for fleet management. Over the last 20 years, I have managed mileage contracts and key accounts, taking on responsibility in both sales and operations. I am excited to bring my decades of experience to Hankook and help drive brand awareness and strengthen customer relationships.”
Hatton said, “Having spent 30+ years working in the tyre and transport industry, I am privileged to be part of the Hankook UK team. The company offers an excellent range of tyre products across its premium Hankook brand and associate brand Laufenn. I look forward to applying my skills and experience in supporting both current and new customers while working alongside a brilliant team.”
CAMSO Construction Appoints Steffen Sahl As Sales Director Europe
- By TT News
- September 13, 2025
CAMSO Construction has appointed Steffen Sahl as Director of Sales for Europe. Sahl brings with him 25 years of experience in the European OTR mobility sector.
The company statement read: “With over 25 years of experience in the European OTR mobility sector, and a successful entrepreneurial journey in distribution, Steffen combines deep market insight with a customer-first mindset.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of my professional path so far. A huge thank you to my previous colleagues, mentors and teams – I carry your lessons and support with me. I am deeply honoured by the trust of the CEAT leadership, and am immensely looking forward to building on Camso's strong foundation, driving growth across European markets and collaborating with the talented team in the CEAT speciality family,” said Sahl on his appointment.
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