In January 2015, Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110) acquired Lonstroff Holding AG. This is the parent company of Swiss firm Lonstroff AG, a manufacturer of rubber products used in the medical field. By ensuring it has a European base for manufacturing and selling such rubber products, Sumitomo Rubber will focus on Europe as it further develops its global presence in...
Tire manufacturers across Japan are focused on making unique technological developments in the bid to differentiate themselves from one another. This includes their respective pursuits in the delivery of driving comfort and the fundamental structures in which they maintain their definitions of fuel-efficient tires through proprietary technologies. Sumitomo Rubber A proprietary technology from Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110), “Silent Core”...
The Japanese tire labeling system for defining fuel-efficient tires began in January 2010 as a voluntary industry standard, covering rolling resistance and wet-grip performance. Thanks to the continuous marketing efforts of tire manufacturers, the penetration rate of fuel-efficient tires in line with the grading system has steadily grown. However, these same manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to differentiate their...
The period since the 1960s has seen a spurt of overseas expansion from Japanese companies involved in the rubber industry. This expansion has followed through from moving into Korea and Southeast Asia, centering on Taiwan, in the 1970s to North America in the 1980s and, since 2000, through into China and the ASEAN region. Recently, momentum has been gaining also...
The latest Tokyo Motorcycle Show gathered 121 companies, exhibiting the latest production and custom models, parts and apparel. Japan’s largest motorcycle-related event, this year’s show is aimed at changing motorcycling from a sport for grownups to an activity parents and children can easily approach together. Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) showed off the tire maker’s premium BATTLAX brand concept, emphasizing its theme...
The settlement results for labor force wages and annual bonuses have started to come out from the “spring offensive” negotiations in Japan. The Japanese Rubber Workers Union Confederation is comprised of 58 member unions. Forty-eight of those put forth wage demands to the companies of the unions’ respective labor forces, from which 20 unions have reached conclusions. Regarding annual bonuses, 45...
