Tokyo—The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that it will exhibit its innovative lavatory module at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2006. Developed for the Boeing 737 passenger airliner, Yokohama's module features light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination and stainless steel floor fittings. LEDs reduce power consumption and, because they last longer than conventional light bulbs, they reduce the need for maintenance. Stainless steel, meanwhile, resists corrosion and therefore also reduces the need for maintenance.

Aircraft Interiors Expo, held annually at the Hamburg International Exhibition and Conference Centre, is the world's largest exhibition devoted to airline interior design and airline cabin systems. More than 400 exhibitors will participate in Aircraft Interiors Expo 2006, which will take place from April 4 to 6.

Another feature of Yokohama's lavatory module is its abundant space—twice as much as in conventional modules—for storing toilet paper and other consumable items. In addition, the water faucet allows for adjusting the temperature and flow with one hand. Heightening the appeal of the module is its stylish, rounded configuration, which maximizes the sense of roominess. Yokohama's lavatory module enables airlines to differentiate their aircraft interiors advantageously when they refurbish the aircraft periodically.

Also on display at Yokohama's booth at Aircraft Interiors Expo will be tanks for drinking water and for restroom wastewater. Distinguishing those tanks is their unmatched combination of minimal weight and maximal rigidity. Yokohama supplies drinking-water tanks for nearly every Boeing model, and it supplies drinking-water tanks and wastewater tanks for the Airbus 380.

A leading manufacturer of tires, Yokohama has also built a strong position in industrial products, including aircraft components. Underlying its competitiveness in the aircraft sector are its strengths in composite materials of rubber, metal, and fiber-reinforced plastic. In addition to the items that Yokohama will exhibit at Aircraft Interiors Expo, the company manufactures fuel tanks, metallic engine components, metallic tubing, and other aircraft components.