Author: RubberWorld

In 2024, all of Vietnam’s top 15 rubber export markets experienced growth in export values, with Malaysia leading the way by expanding fivefold, followed by Sri Lanka at 3.7 times, according to the Vietnam Rubber Association (VRA). Despite having the lowest growth rate at 1.5%, China remained Vietnam’s largest export market for rubber, accounting for 67.6% of the total market share. Other significant markets included India (7.7%), the European Union (EU) (6%), and South Korea (2.5%). The VRA noted that China’s demand is driven by its booming electric and hybrid vehicle industries, particularly for tire production.

Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced that it has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport EV tires for use as original equipment on the new Stelato S9, an electric vehicle (EV) developed jointly by leading Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer HUAWEI and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group) that was launched in China in August 2024. The Stelato S9 is being equipped with 245/45R20 103V size tires.

Falken Tyre Europe GmbH will be making changes to its management team for January 2025. Thomas Langer will be taking over as Sales Director Germany Replacement at Falken. Thomas Langer began his career at Falken in 2010 as a sales representative for the region of Bavaria and Saxony/Thuringia and has been responsible for southern Germany as regional sales manager since 2018. Jürgen Koch, who previously held the position of Sales Director Germany Replacement, will continue to support the company in his new position as Consultant Sales Germany from 1 January to 31 December 2025.

ZC Rubber announced the official commencement of Phase I production at its new Indonesian plant, PT. Matahari Tire Indonesia (MTI) in Kendal Industrial Park, Central Java. The event brought together prominent figures, including officials from Central Java, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Kendal Industrial Park executives, and over 300 global dealers and suppliers, celebrating a major milestone in ZC Rubber’s international growth.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company announced its plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Goodyear Blimp. From flights over more cities to appearances at new events, chances for fans to fly, limited-edition collectors’ items and a few larger-than-life-surprises, Goodyear will bring the American icon closer to its fans in 2025 to commemorate its past, present and future.

Wayne Horne has been with SRNA since 2016 and has held nine different roles throughout his tenure. His first role was in Customer Service, helping customers with their orders, then took on a hands-on role as a Fanatic Field Specialist, and eventually a Strategic Account Manager. His previous roles developed his attention to detail, strategic planning, and understanding of customer needs. Now, just eight months after becoming Strategic Account Manager, Horne will begin his new position as National Sales Manager.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced that, together with the Surat Thani branch of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), it held a seminar event in December 2024 to help Thai natural rubber farmers improve the quality and productivity of their natural rubber.
*A state enterprise under the jurisdiction of Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC)

The company now expects fiscal year 2024 net revenue to be approximately $3.57 billion, adjusted diluted earnings per share to be approximately $3.84 and adjusted EBITDA to be approximately $594 million compared to previous guidance of adjusted EBITDA between $610 million and $620 million as communicated on September 25, 2024. Additionally, the company now expects cash flow from operations for the year to be approximately $300 million.

HEXPOL Americas announces the closure the production site in Kennedale, Texas by the end of Q2, 2025 and all business from Kennedale will be relocated to other North American facilities.
HEXPOL Americas has also divested the production site in Muscle Shoals, Alabama effective immediately, to the private investment firm Karo Ventures LLC.

Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) announced it has become a lifetime trustee of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF). YTC President and CEO Jeff Barna, who made the announcement, also has been named to the UAF board of trustees.