Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (TYO:7282) has invested in Counterworks Inc., a startup company that provides support for the digital transformation of retail and commercial facilities. Counterworks also offers a range of other services, such as visualizing customer behavior in stores and utilizing Retail as a Service (RaaS) to offer tenant recruitment. While Toyoda Gosei is focused on supplying automakers with...
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. (TYO:4063) has developed a range of new silicone materials for heat dissipation, and is targeting these toward use in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). With the global automotive sector moving toward electrification at an increasing pace, the market is seeing more advanced and diverse demands for heat countermeasures in the likes of lithium-ion...
Zeon Corp. (TYO:4205) has used single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to develop a masterbatch that significantly improves the conductivity of silicone rubber. Compounds using this new masterbatch are being targeted toward use in medical equipment that can help limit the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and similar conditions. Zeon is pursuing joint research here alongside Novation Solutions LLC (NovationSi), a U.S.-based manufacturer...
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) has managed to accurately decipher the complex genome sequence of guayule, an alternative to natural rubber. This comes as part of a joint research project between the tire manufacturer and NRGene Ltd., a company focused on genomic big data solutions. Bridgestone has been working since 2017 to diversify its natural rubber resources, looking here at getting more...
Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5101) recently announced that it has launched sales of a new two-component silylated acrylate sealant. Named Hamatite SC-SA2/Evomax, the product hit the market earlier this month. Exceling at both weather resistance and durability, the new sealant can be used in a wide range of applications, including not only around windows but also on the joints of...
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) recently announced the Feb. 1 launch of its new dedicated SUV tire, the Alenza LX100. Focused on providing a comfortable drive, the tire will immediately be made available throughout Japan and available in 39 sizes. Touted as premium on-road tires, Bridgestone’s Alenza series includes the comfortable and quiet Alenza LX100 as well as the Alenza 001, an...
