Yokohama to build test track in Thailand

TOKYO (Aug. 22, 2007) - Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has received permission from Thai officials to build a large tyre proving ground in Thailand at a cost of nearly ¥2500 million (€16 million). The track is scheduled to be in use by March 2009.

Yokohama has secured a site of 169 ha in Thailand's Rayong Province for the proving ground, which will encompass 4.1 km of high-speed roadways, including a 1-km straight and various test courses for the confirmation of driving stability, fuel efficiency, durability, noise, vibration and driving comfort.

Yokohama said it chose the site because it is close to its Yokohama Tire Manufacturing (Thailand) Co. Ltd. factory.

Yokohama disclosed the project-which it said will help upgrade its capabilities for evaluating and improving the quality of its tyres for passenger cars, trucks and buses-after receiving permission to go ahead with construction from the Thailand Board of Investment.

This will be Yokohama's third proving ground. The others are in Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture and on Hokkaido Island, the latter of which is specialised for testing winter tyres.

The new facility will test tyres made at Yokohama's plants in Thailand, the Philippines, China, Japan and the US.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)

Press release from Yokohama