Yokohama raises its environmental consciousness with 'Green Initiative'

Nov. 27, 2006

Yokohama Tire Corp.'s new "Green Initiative" is designed to reduce the company's environmental impact "in every way possible" and will include new tires "that exemplify environmental virtues," say Yokohama officials.

The progam is part of parent company Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.'s "Grand Design 100" plan.

Yokohama Tire Corp. CEO and President Norio Karashima says Yokohama's manufacturing plants around the world will aim for zero-waste output.

"We'll work to re-use or otherwise recycle all waste and will introduce co-generation systems to raise all resource efficiency. We'll work in all our operations to reduce waste and the output of carbon dioxide. Globally, this is our moral obligation."

Yokohama currently has a zero-emissions plant in Shinshiro, Japan and will expand this approach to other facilities around the world.

One of the initial "Green Initiative" items for the company has been to partner with Tesla Motors, which uses Yokohama's ultra-high-performance Advan Neova AD07 LTS tires as standard equipment on its all-electric Tesla Roadster.

Yokohama will showcase the Tesla sports car in its booth at the LA Auto Show, Dec. 1-10.