By Patrick Raleigh ERJ On-line news editor
Tokyo-Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd is raising prices of exported passenger car, light truck and truck & bus tyres by 3 to 4 percent. The increase covers the group's Dunlop, Falken and Sumitomo branded products sold in Asia, the Middle East, North America, Europe and Central and South America, SRI announced 28 Sept
The price increase to take effect by the end of 2004 is due to the escalating prices of natural rubber and oil-related raw materials. It is the Japanese group's second hike on export tyre prices this year, following a 3-5 percent increase in January.