Diversity becomes consensus in tire industry

According to a survey on rubber companies including ZC Rubber, Aeolus Tyre and Fengyuan Tire, differentiation and high end have already become a common choice for Chinese tire manufacturers.

On TIRE EXPO 2017, many tire companies unveiled “unique” products or techniques. Triangle Tire exhibited various new types of tires such as MT, ST and Giant OTR tires. ZC Rubber exhibited the first smart tire ZAS88.   

“Distributors can do positive door-to-door service by reading the information provided by our smart tires, and enhance the users’ trust in our brand,” said Li Ying, an official from ZC Rubber who brought smart tire “ZAS88” to the EXPO.

Wanli Tire put focus on racing car tires in the EXPO. “We keep improving our tires through the ‘Mobile Lab’ and racing car series.”

Bian Yabo, secretary of board of Jiangsu General Science Technology, said his company has decided to develop differentiation in various brands, a new strategy the company has adopted since it went public on Shanghai Stock Exchange on September 19, 2016.

“Differentiation among various brands and products can help our company grow in niche markets,” said Bian.

Shandong Fengyuan Tire Manufacturing Co. was the youngest company participating in the TIRE EXPO 2017. Zhang Ning, assistant to Fengyuan’s general manager, said his company produced special tires to meet demand of the high-end market, such as MT tires for SUV.

Sailun Jinyu also attached importance to high-end tires. Huang Hanwen, head of the company’s R&D centre, said it is inevitable for Chinese tire makers to take this road if they want to grow stronger.

Qiao Bo, general manager of Aeolus Tire, said his company plans to develop three groups of brands, from high-end, medium-end to low-end levels.