Yokohama

Overview

Yokohama is a globally recognized Japanese brand specializing in tires and rubber products, owned by The Yokohama Rubber Company, Ltd. Established in 1917, it ranks among the world’s oldest and largest tire manufacturers. The company produces tires for a diverse range of applications, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, motorsports, industrial machinery, aircraft, and off-road equipment. In addition to tires, Yokohama manufactures industrial rubber goods, hoses, sealants, adhesives, marine fenders, and golf products.1

History

The Yokohama Rubber Company was founded on October 13, 1917, as a joint venture between Yokohama Electric Cable Manufacturing Company (now part of Furukawa Electric) and the American tire manufacturer BFGoodrich. Its first manufacturing plant opened in Yokohama, Japan, in 1920, producing tires, belts, and various other rubber products.2

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Yokohama introduced several pioneering innovations to the Japanese tire industry, notably the country’s first corded tire. In 1937, the company began marketing its products under the Yokohama trademark rather than the Goodrich name, thereby establishing its distinct brand identity.3

Following World War II, Yokohama expanded rapidly by launching technologies such as Japan’s first snow tires and tubeless tires. During the latter half of the 20th century, the company established manufacturing plants and sales networks across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Africa.4

Today, Yokohama operates in more than 100 countries and regions, maintaining manufacturing facilities and research centers worldwide.5

Products

Yokohama manufactures an extensive portfolio of products, including:

Passenger car tires
SUV and crossover tires
Performance and ultra-high-performance tires
All-season tires
Winter tires
Truck and bus tires
Off-road and construction equipment tires
Agricultural tires
Motorsport tires
Aircraft tires
Industrial hoses
Marine fenders
Adhesives and sealants
Golf equipment and accessories6

Tire Technologies

Yokohama is recognized for developing advanced tire technologies that prioritize:

High grip and cornering performance
Fuel efficiency and reduced rolling resistance
Wet-weather handling
Low road noise
Long tread life
Heat-resistant rubber compounds
Sustainable and environmentally conscious materials7

Motorsport

Yokohama has a longstanding history in motorsports, supplying tires for numerous racing series globally. The company has participated in:

Touring car championships
GT racing
Drift competitions
Rally events
Formula racing categories
Endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans8

Its flagship performance tire line, ADVAN, is widely recognized among automotive enthusiasts and professional racing teams.

Global Presence

The Yokohama Rubber Company maintains manufacturing plants, research facilities, and sales offices across multiple regions, including the Philippines. Its global footprint encompasses:

Japan
United States
Philippines
Thailand
Indonesia
China
India
Vietnam
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
Africa9

Corporate Philosophy

Yokohama’s corporate philosophy emphasizes:

Innovation through advanced rubber technology
Customer satisfaction
Product quality and safety
Environmental sustainability
Continuous technological development
Contribution to society through manufacturing excellence10

Sustainability

The company invests significantly in sustainability initiatives, focusing on:

Carbon emission reduction
Sustainable natural rubber sourcing
Fuel-efficient tire technology
Recycling initiatives
Eco-friendly manufacturing processes
Renewable materials research11

Notable Tire Brands

Some of Yokohama’s most prominent tire families include:

ADVAN
GEOLANDAR
BluEarth
iceGUARD
PARADA
AVID
dB (Decibel)
W.drive
S.drive12

Reputation

Yokohama is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading premium tire manufacturers. Its products are known for balancing performance, durability, comfort, and safety, making them popular among both everyday drivers and automotive enthusiasts. The brand also supplies original equipment (OE) tires to numerous vehicle manufacturers worldwide.13

Recent Developments

In recent years, Yokohama has expanded its global business through strategic acquisitions and investments. Notably, it acquired Goodyear’s Off-the-Road (OTR) tire business to strengthen its position in the mining, construction, and industrial tire markets.14

About Yokohama