Yokohama Rubber Posts Record First-half Results, Raises Full-year Guidance
- By TT News
- August 13, 2025
Japanese tyre maker lifts dividend after 10.3% revenue growth driven by premium tyre sales
Yokohama Rubber Co said it achieved record first-half results with sales revenue climbing 10.3 percent to 579.2 billion yen, driven by strong demand for its premium tyres and successful integration of acquired operations.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer reported business profit rose 13.8 percent to 62.1 billion yen for the six months ended June 30, marking new highs for first-half performance. However, operating profit declined 2.5 percent to 54.9 billion yen, whilst profit attributable to shareholders fell 23.7 percent to 35.5 billion yen.
The company attributed the growth in consolidated business profit to robust performance from existing operations, which offset one-time costs related to its acquisition and consolidation of Goodyear's off-the-road (OTR) tyre business.
Yokohama's core tyre segment generated significant gains through increased unit sales of consumer tyres and continued expansion in sales of its high-value ADVAN, GEOLANDAR, and Winter product lines, alongside growth in high-inch tyre sales.
The company's diversified operations also contributed to results, with the MB segment posting improved sales in marine products and benefits from structural reforms in its hose and couplings business.
Based on the strong first-half performance, Yokohama raised its full-year fiscal 2025 forecasts across all key metrics. The company now projects sales revenue of 1.235 trillion yen, business profit of 153.0 billion yen, operating profit of 140.5 billion yen, and profit attributable to shareholders of 88.0 billion yen.
The results reflect Yokohama's strategy of focusing on premium tyre segments whilst expanding its industrial products portfolio through strategic acquisitions. The company has been working to integrate Goodyear's OTR operations, which serve the mining and construction sectors.
The tyre industry has faced headwinds from raw material cost pressures and supply chain disruptions, though premium segments have shown resilience due to strong replacement demand and the shift towards higher-specification tyres.
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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