FULLERTON, CA - Yokohama Tire Corporation announced it will increase prices on its light and medium commercial truck, and off-the-road (OTR) tires in the United States, effective January 1, 2011. The 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. 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."

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in the United States, Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company's complete product line includes the dB Super E-spec - the world's first tire to use orange oil to reduce petroleum - as well as tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.