Shipment value of rubber goods in Japan declined in February by 4 percent year-on-year to 179.4 billion yen ($1.61 billion), sliding for the eighth consecutive month, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Production volume of automobile tires were 12.11 million tires, down 5 percent on-year, marking the 15th consecutive month of year-on-year decreases. Meanwhile, the value...
Toyo Tire and Rubber Co. Ltd. (TYO:5105) has brought to market a new tire in the Tranpath minivan tire series: the Tranpath ML. This tire is aimed specifically at the mid-range minivan market. It offers good running stability, wear resistance and fuel efficiency, which are all requirements of minivan tires. During the development of the rubber materials used in the...
Toyota Motor Corp. (TYO:7203) has announced that it will be the world’s first automobile manufacturer to employ biohydrin rubber in its engine and drive system hoses. These special rubber components must be highly resistant to oil and heat. Toyota will begin using biohydrin rubber in vacuum sensing hoses (used in engine intake systems) this May, with usage expected in all...
Marugo Rubber Industries Ltd., based in Kurashiki, Okayama, plans to establish a production base for automobile rubber parts in Thailand. It has also inked a technical assistance agreement with a rubber component manufacturer in the Philippines. Those moves are part of Marugo’s strategy to strengthen its production and supply capability in the growing ASEAN region. Marugo has established a sales...
Togawa Rubber Co. Ltd. will revise pricing for its natural rubber sheets from January 1, 2016. The lines that will be affected are the thicker versions of the general-purpose natural rubber sheets, for which current prices will increase by 15–20 percent. Although the cost of primary materials is relatively stable, manufacturing facilities differ with respect to the thickness of the rubber...
Nitta Corp. (TYO:5186), which has previously made clear its intent to expand its global reach, currently has 18 manufacturing, fabrication and sales locations in 12 countries around the world. Nitta Corporation (Thailand) Ltd., a manufacturer and seller of hoses and tubes that was recently established in Thailand, has completed a factory that is now coming into full operation. Nitta also...
