TOKYO (July 29, 2008) — Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. is contemplating building tire plants in Russia and Brazil by 2010.
A Yokohama spokesman said the firm is considering the two countries because of the “sharp expansion of tire sales there.” The firm hasn't decided on the exact location of the facilities, he said.
Yokohama has tire plants in six countries—Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and the U.S.—and has acquired land in India where it intends eventually to build a tire plant.
The tire maker recently established sales subsidiaries in Brazil and Russia as part of its GD100 mid-term management strategy unveiled in 2006.