VW Passat: First Giti tyre approval for new USA factory

Giti Tire has received confirmation that two sizes of Giti brand tyres will be fitted as original equipment on the 2019 Volkswagen Passat in North America. The Passat will wear the All-Season GitiComfort A1 in sizes 235/45R18 95H and 235/40R19 92H. These approvals are the first original equipment placements for Giti brand tyres that will be manufactured at the company’s plant in Chester County, South Carolina, which is expected to begin production later this year.

Company officials said they are very proud to announce that ‘made in America’ Giti tyres will be original equipment on such a popular vehicle from a global vehicle manufacturer. The original equipment deal applies to Passat models manufactured in the Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A Giti Tire brand has also been sourced as original equipment on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, the German automaker’s all-new full-size sport utility vehicle. The seven-seat Atlas will also be produced at the Chattanooga facility.

“One of our stated goals when we announced the Chester County plant was to become a valued original equipment supplier in North America,” said John Aben, senior vice-president, OE & consumer sales, North America, for Giti Tire USA. “Today’s announcement is an important step in that direction, and we are thrilled that this first announced fitment is with such a prestigious auto maker.”

The tyre company’s 1.8 million square foot (167,200 square metre) plant will produce five million tyres annually for the replacement and original equipment markets when at full capacity.