The Yokohama Rubber Company has announced that the Toyota Motor Corporation will use Yokohama's 235/60R18 103 H specification BluEarth-XT AE61 and BluEarth-XT AE61 Z P S tyres for Lexus's new PHEV, the Lexus NX, as OE fitment tyres.

The BluEarth-XT AE6 tyre, based on the "environmentally, human, and socially friendly" concept, has been designed to provide the driver with driving, comfort, and environmental performance. It features a new tread pattern that improves wet traction, wear resistance, and overall stability.

The BluEarth-XT AE61 Z P S run-flat tyres conform to the EMT standards (an ISO standard for tyres). It provides a softer ride than run-flat tyres that fit to the previous EMT standard, while the new tyre's reduced weight aids fuel efficiency. This tyre will only be sold with the Lexus NX overseas.

The company claims that the move is in line with its current medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2023. (TT)

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Vaculug has announced the appointment of Darren C. as the company’s Regional Operations Manager for the West, overseeing key areas including Manchester, Birmingham and Wales. Darren brings with him extensive experience, knowledge and skillset and will be a valuable asset to the team, said the company.

Marcus Kirkness, Fleet Operations Manager at Vaculug, said, “These are truly exciting times at Vaculug. We’re incredibly pleased to have Darren join our team. His knowledge of the tyre industry, combined with his experience in managing customer fleets and delivering top-tier customer service, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our customer base. Darren’s expertise ensures we remain agile in addressing challenges and fulfilling our commitments swiftly and effectively."

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Former Goodyear executive to lead strategy and sales across Europe, Middle East and Africa

Leading tyre maker Linglong Tire has appointed Jeff Hughes as Regional Director Specialty Tyres for the EMEA region, effective 1June , as the company seeks to establish itself as a leading specialty tyre provider in the market.

Hughes, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience, will be responsible for strategy and sales for the specialty tyres division across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the newly created role.

Prior to joining Linglong, Hughes served as Sales Director at Maxam Tyres, part of the Sailun Group, where he led the European specialty tyres replacement business. Before that, he spent over two decades in various senior management positions at Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company worldwide.

"I am very much looking forward to my new role at Linglong Tire and hope to achieve the ambitious goals together with my colleagues in the EMEA region with my more than 25 years of experience in the tire industry," Hughes said.

"Our most important task will be to optimise existing customer contacts and develop new customers and thus further strengthen our company's market position," the new regional director added.

In his new position, Hughes will work closely with product and marketing teams as Linglong seeks to expand its presence in the competitive EMEA specialty tyre market.

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Falken Tyre Europe has appointed Hiroshi Hamada as its new Managing Director, Chairman and CEO.

He comes with over three decades of experience at Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), initially joining the company back in 1992 – then named The Ohtsu Tire & Rubber Company.

In 2018, Hamada was appointed Vice-President of SRI China and President of Dunlop Tire in China. Since 2024, he continued to serve as a Senior Executive Officer at SRI.

Falken Tyre looks to leverage Hamada’s extensive industry experience to enhance collaboration across the company’s European operations and support the brand’s long-term growth strategy.

Hiroshi Hamada, said, "I am honoured to lead Falken Tyre Europe at this exciting juncture with Dunlop. With Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ global expertise and Falken’s legacy of performance and innovation, we are uniquely positioned to strengthen our European operations and deliver value to customers. I look forward to achieving new milestones together with my dedicated and talented colleagues.”

Markus Bogner, Managing Director and President, Falken Tyre Europe, said, "Hiroshi Hamada’s appointment is a strategic step forward for Falken Tyre Europe. His 33 years of experience at Sumitomo Rubber Industries, including numerous leadership roles, bring invaluable insight to our European growth ambitions. Working closely together, we will reinforce the brand’s partnerships, innovate across our product lines and uphold the trust of our customers."

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Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has named Brian Sheehey President as of 30 April 2025. Sheehey joined Ralson Tire North America as Senior Vice President in 2022 and has 35 years of total experience in the tyre industry.

After finishing the development of a state-of-the-art medium/heavy truck tire production facility in Indore, India, Ralson made its debut in the US commercial tyre market in 2023. With the potential to generate four million units per year, the factory now produces one million TBR units. The facility produces a wide variety of commercial vehicle tyres under the Ralson and Accelus brands. In America, RTNA's distribution network is growing quickly. The opening of two East Coast distribution centres was also recently announced by the company.

Manjul Pahwa, Managing Director and CEO, Ralson Tyres Ltd, said, “Brian has played an instrumental role in our outstanding growth, and the future looks bright for the Ralson and Accelus brands in North America under his leadership. In today’s challenging market, Brian and the RTNA team have done a great job of helping our customers solve deficiencies in their supply base, improve their margins and address opportunities faster than most of the larger legacy brand competitors.”

Sheehey said, “I look forward to growing the Ralson and Accelus brands in North America, Ralson Tire North America is focused on increasing cash flow for our partners. It is a simple idea but not always executed well by tyre manufacturers. RTNA is committed to bringing back the ‘personal touch’ in business relationships, combined with our laser focus on providing dealers and fleets a high-quality product at a reasonable cost that they can depend on every day of the year.”

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