Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5105) launched a special website on April 3 to showcase the technology of its near-future airless concept tire, the Noair. By making fundamental changes to the structure of its past prototypes, Toyo Tires has drastically improved the Noair’s performance in several metrics, including durability, exterior noise levels and fuel efficiency. The company has successfully...
Bridgestone Corp.’s (TYO:5108) general shareholders meeting on March 23 was attended by 299 shareholders and ended in one hour and 40 minutes. The meeting saw 11 shareholders put forth a total of 17 questions to the board, with these including queries as to where things stand concerning female promotion into managerial positions and what efforts are being made to revise...
Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110) held a general shareholders meeting on March 29, with the company fielding questions from shareholders on three main topics: sales strategy in regions where the Dunlop brand is struggling, the impact of the recent strong yen, and responses to the trend toward electric vehicles (EVs). A Sumitomo Rubber representative noted that in Europe, the U.S.,...
Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5105) recently succeeded in optimizing its process for nano-level molding using advanced filler dispersion. The process enables improved dispersion in compounds that are used for tires and are made from solid rubber and filler. The new process was developed as a means to improve fuel efficiency for trucks and buses. It allows for existing...
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) is aggressively marketing its Eco Value Pack service combining new tires, retreads and maintenance to help distribution and busing companies cope with a harsh business environment as they struggle with driver and maintenance staff shortages and soaring fuel costs. On Feb. 23, the tire maker held a public fuel efficiency test in the Tokyo area for fuel-efficient...
Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5101) has introduced and begun selling a new size of its Advan A053 radial tire for rally and dirt trials. Adding a 205/65R15 94Q size to its existing lineup of 215/60R15 94Q, 195/65R15 91Q and 185/65R15 88Q variants, the tire now comes in four sizes. The lineup uses different tread patterns for left and right wheels,...
