Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. (YTPI) was established in April 1996 as a joint venture between the Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. and Kawasho Corporation of Japan. Located at the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ), YTPI is the first facility in Asia, outside Japan, to produce tires for passenger vehicles with the “Yokohama” brand. About 90% of YTPI’s output is exported to Europe, the Middle East, and countries in the ASEAN region. YTPI began commercial production in January 1998 with an initial target of one (1) million tires, and is the largest company to start operations in CSEZ. Currently, the company produces close to 2 million units annually. Since its operations, YTPI’s products have been the very hallmark of quality, winning local recognition (Consumer Choice Top Tire Brand for 2002 and 2003) as well as international acclaim (Outstanding Tire Brand at the 2003 Asia-Pacific Consumer Excellence Awards). YTPI is currently listed among the country’s Top 500 Corporations, and is considered to be one of the leaders in the industry.