FULLERTON, CA - Due to continued increases in the cost of raw materials and energy-related expenses, Yokohama Tire Corporation announced it will increase prices on its light and medium commercial truck tires by up to 7 percent, effective March 1. The last commercial truck tire price increase from Yokohama was September 1, 2008.

There will be in-line adjustments, as well, which will be announced at a later date. Off-the-road (OTR), light-truck and consumer tires will not be affected by the increase.

 "As always, it's a very difficult decision to increase prices," said John Cooney, Yokohama director of sales, Commercial Division. "We've been doing our best to contain our costs, but the continued escalation in the costs of raw materials, energy and transportation must be reflected in Yokohama's pricing, unfortunately."

Added Jim MacMaster, Yokohama executive vice president and COO: "Yokohama remains committed to bringing the best products to the market at competitive prices by integrating operational efficiencies, environmental procedures and the latest technology, but today's challenging business climate makes it difficult to suppress costs."

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^TM - 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.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Tire Safety" section at www.yokohamatire.com.