Sumitomo has formed a new long-term development strategy
On March 7, the management of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, including President and CEO Satoru Yamamoto, introduced a new long-term development strategy, R.I.S.E. 2035, which will focus on developing new business areas, introducing innovations such as "active tread" technology, and reorganizing the business in connection with the acquisition of the Dunlop brand in North America and Europe.
To improve its profitability, Sumitomo intends to "pre-ameliorate" its product range and by 2030 increase the share of tires with a diameter of 18 inches or more for passenger cars and SUVs to over 60% of sales in physical terms, with the proceeds to be invested in new sources of profit. It is expected that by 2035, the company will receive up to 30% of its profits from non-tire products, and, as emphasized by Yamamoto, new technologies will be introduced as quickly as possible, including through cooperation with various partners. For example, work is underway on rubber-based materials for lithium-ion batteries, cancer cell absorption kits, and 3D printing.
By 2027, Sumitomo plans to release the all-season Dunlop Synchro Weather tire in the European market, made using Active Tread technology and able to adapt to weather conditions. The rubber compound of the tires, which are already available in Japan, becomes softer when in contact with water and at lower temperatures - the company calls these mechanisms water and temperature "switches" - and a new technology is currently being developed that will simultaneously improve traction and wear resistance. Tests have already been conducted at the "Nürburgring" in Germany, and Sumitomo intends to introduce the new development into the production of tires for electric vehicles and sports cars in 2028-2030.
The tire manufacturer also plans to open a new technology center in the USA by 2026, which should help effectively meet demand in the local market, and by 2028, a new innovation center will be created in Japan. In addition, the company will modernize its factories in Japan and Thailand using a new approach that involves replacing some equipment while the enterprises continue to operate.
Regarding the Dunlop brand, which Sumitomo will be able to use worldwide after the deal with Goodyear is closed, the company says it intends to maximize its value and develop the famous brand not only in the tire sector and car racing but also in the sports goods market, for example, for tennis and golf, as well as in the medical and construction sectors. Special structures will be created in Japan, the USA, and Europe to promote the brand.
Another important aspect is the introduction of new digital technologies, and Sumitomo emphasizes that "digitalization" will cover all areas of business, such as production and sales, and the company will accelerate the development of new products, optimize its global production system, and reduce costs. As Yamamoto noted, "we will also develop our human resources as the foundation for our digital transformation."
In the field of ecology, Sumitomo plans to continue expanding the use of energy from renewable sources (for example, using hydrogen) and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, raw materials obtained from recycled old tires will be developed, and the share of environmentally friendly materials will be increased in general.
Photo: car.watch.impress.co.jp