Yokohama TWS Names Joachim Hörr MD for DACH Region

Joachim Hörr will step in as Managing Director of Yokohama TWS for Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH) on 1 August 2025, replacing Rolf Christmann, who retires on 30 August after 37 years with the business. The change ushers in a new phase for the off-highway tyre specialist as it completes its integration with Trelleborg Wheel Systems and sharpens its focus on technology, sustainability and market share in Central Europe.

Around 60 percent of Yokohama TWS global turnover is generated in Europe, with the DACH cluster providing a high-value customer base in agriculture, construction and industrial sectors. Maintaining local expertise while accelerating innovation is therefore critical to the company’s growth plans.

From stability to fresh momentum

• Christmann’s legacy – Four decades of steady expansion, close OEM relationships and a resilient distribution network across 21 countries.
• Hörr’s mandate – Capitalise on recent consolidation under the wider Yokohama Rubber Group, deepen R&D collaboration and speed up product roll-outs tailored to regional needs.

Strategic priorities for Hörr

1. Digital tyre intelligence

Yokohama TWS is rolling out real-time pressure and temperature monitoring solutions that promise lower downtime and higher productivity for fleet operators—key selling points in the price-sensitive replacement market.

2. Sustainable materials and processes

The manufacturer is investing in natural-material polymers and waste-reduction measures to align with EU Green Deal targets and customer ESG goals.

3. Supply-chain resilience

With 82 service locations across Europe, the firm aims to reduce lead times and maintain local inventory buffers—critical as demand for off-highway tyres is forecast to grow by roughly 6 percent annually.

Implications for the regional OHT market

• Competitive pressure – A refreshed Yokohama TWS leadership team adds momentum to a market already jostling with specialist brands and major multinationals.
• Product breadth – The company’s extensive OHT portfolio positions it to win share, especially in the replacement segment during cyclical downturns in new-equipment sales.
• Customer focus – Continued investment in service and support should help retain brand loyalty amid heightened competition.

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Tagged with: Yokohama TWS, Joachim Hörr, Rolf Christmann, Managing Director, DACH tyre market, off-highway tyres, OHT, leadership change, tyre industry, sustainability, digital tyre monitoring

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