Under the agreement, Yokohama will supply tires for the technological star of the film, the car named "Mach 5." The company also will carry out extensive promotional activities in some 40 countries where Yokohama has its overseas subsidiaries and affiliates when the film is released. The company looks forward to the opportunity to further enhance global recognition of its name through association with this film.

Speed Racer is a live-action film based on the Japanese animation series "Mach Go Go Go," popular in the U.S. when it aired there in the 1960s. The production team from the Matrix movies has been working on the film. In addition to stars Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, star of the hit TV series "Lost," and popular Korean singer and actor Rain (Ji-Hoon JUNG) will also appear. The cast includes Hiroyuki Sanada from Japan. (Tire Review/Akron)