RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. executives are predicting U.S. tire sales will improve going forward after suffering a slump during the pandemic.

AKRON — As the world starts to ease COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, tire makers are charting a course back to production.

SEOUL, South Korea — Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. reported double-digit declines in operating income and sales for the quarter ended March 31, drops the company attributed to a sharp drop in demand caused by the worldwide economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lower consumer sentiment.

ROME, Ga. — Pirelli Tire North America Inc. has restarted production at its passenger tire plant in Rome, ending a five-week hiatus that the company instituted as part of its effort to protect the health and safety of its workers amid the spread of the coronavirus.

GADSDEN, Ala. — The remaining 400-plus members of United Steelworkers Local 12 have approved Goodyear's plan to close its Gadsden passenger tire plant.

GADSDEN, Ala. — Goodyear will close its 90-year-old passenger tire plant in Gadsden permanently as part of the firm's strategy to strengthen its competitiveness by focusing on growing, more profitable segments.