Zafco takes on global Zeetex distributorship

Dubai-based Zafco has announced that it has extended its distributorship of the Zeetex tyre brand to a global scale after “the acquisition” of the role from Netherlands based S&H Tyres. Prior to this, the rights to Zeetex, which encompasses over 600 product units including tyres, batteries and lubricants, were jointly held between the two companies.

The distribution change came following Zafco’s participation at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas in November 2011, where the company showcased its Zeetex, exclusive brand.

Simon Klapwijk, CEO of S&H Tyres, expressed happiness at the brand’s development that has progressed over a period of years working closely with Zafco, thereby bringing in new products and innovations to the market place. He commented: “S&H is looking forward to seeing this brand go a long way even further with the length and breadth of Zafco’s reach and distribution, combined with their hunger for introducing new products to the market.”

Gopiraj KV, CEO of Zafco, commented: “Our focus will be on France, Germany and the UK, as they represent the largest tyre markets, among the 21 European countries where we will now sell Zeetex. We plan to quadruple our current revenue in the next four years and are confident that we will be able to achieve this target.”

Zafco will continue to undertake research and development to introduce a wider range of products suitable to European driving conditions. The Zeetex premium tyre range category is endorsed by Ukraine’s premium drifting champion, Alex Golovnya, who has made 5 podium finishes out of 9 appearances in drift competitions in 2011 using Zeetex tyres in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, of which 3 were 1st positions. Additionally, drift driving enthusiast from Scotland, Stuart Leishman personally advocates the importance of an excellent tyre in challenging conditions. Reflecting his confidence in the high quality of Zeetex tyres and. driving a Mitsubishi Evo IX he finished second in the Red Bull Drift Abu Dhabi 2011 event. He zoomed past the competition on Zeetex 215/35 R18 HP 102.

“We see immense potential in the European market, despite recent qualms about the instability of the economy. This takeover is in line with our goal to become a US$1 billion company in the next few years and we have ambitious plans for Zeetex, as we turn it into a truly global brand,” concluded Gopiraj.

Zafco aims to build on the momentum generated in 2011, and will continue to identify and capitalise on opportunities that are in line with the company’s global expansion plans. Zafco has recently confirmed its plans to launch its new product, ZT 1000, early in 2012.

Brand representatives report that since its launch in 2005, Zeetex has developed a strong reputation for quality assurance, safety and compliance with environmental requirements, and holds an impressive range of certifications. However, manufacturing body ETRMA found that at least one Zeetex branded tyre that was non-REACH compliant was found on the European market in March this year.