Yokohama Tire Corporation to Adjust Prices on Consumer Tires

FULLERTON, CA (Oct. 31, 2008) - This year's unprecedented increases in the cost of raw materials have caused Yokohama Tire Corporation to increase prices on all of its consumers tires by up to 10 percent, effective December 1, 2008. This includes passenger, performance and light truck tires. There will also be some in-line adjustments, which will be announced at a later date. Off-the-road and commercial tires will not be affected by the increase at this time.

"It's a tough situation for all. Although we are currently seeing fluctuations in the costs of some raw materials, energy and transportation, they remain at elevated levels, not to mention the elevated cost of money in the current market," said Shawn Denlein, Yokohama Tire director of sales, Consumer Products.

"We strive to keep costs down and continually bring the best products to market at competitive prices," said Jim MacMaster, Yokohama Tire executive vice president, Business Division. "Our operational efficiencies, environmental procedures and the latest technology help, but today's challenging business climate makes it extremely difficult to contain costs."

Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global producer and distributor of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama's extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com. For details on Yokohama's environmental efforts, go to www.ecotreadsetters.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 "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.