Yokohama Tire is now a member of the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay clan, as the company has been named a partner in the program recently.
The company earned the status in the "shippers" category, meaning it ships more than 50 percent of its products on carriers that are SmartWay-certified.

The tire manufacturer is expected to contribute to the goal of eliminating 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012, the EPA says.

"Being named a partner in the EPA SmartWay program reinforces our corporate pledge to produce technologically-advanced tires that help save fuel and protect the environment," said Takao Oishi, Yokohama president and CEO.

In addition, three of Yokohama's commercial truck tires are "verified low rolling resistance tire," making them eligible for use on SmartWay-certified trucks. Low rolling resistance tires run cooler, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

Launched in 2004, the EPA's SmartWay program identifies products and services that reduce transportation-related emissions, resulting in significant, measurable air quality or greenhouse gas improvements, while maintaining or improving current levels of other emissions or pollutants.