FULLERTON, Calif. – Yokohama Tire Corp. has announced it will increase prices on its light and medium commercial truck and off-the-road (OTR) tires in the U.S., effective Jan. 1, 2011. The company said these adjustments are due to continued increases in the cost of raw materials and energy-related expenses.

Commercial tires will increase by up to 6 percent, while OTR (bias and radial) will increase by up to 5 percent. Yokohama says there will be in-line adjustments, as well, which will be announced at a later date.

“It’s a very difficult decision, especially in light of these tough economic times,” said Gary Nash, Yokohama vice president, OTR division. “However, by incorporating operational efficiencies with our environmental procedures and the latest technology, Yokohama remains committed to bringing the best products to the market at competitive prices.”
 
Added John Cooney, Yokohama director of commercial sales: “As always, we continue to do our best to contain costs. We have avoided increasing prices but unfortunately, find it necessary to have the continued rise in the costs of raw materials, manufacturing and transportation reflected in our product pricing.”