With Reifen Gundlach to the Homeland of GT-Radial

In February Reifen Gundlach GmbH organised the “GT-Radial Tour 2000”, a trip to GT-Radial’s country of origin. The name is a brand of radial tyres (car summer/winter, van, light truck, off-road) produced by the Indonesian tyre manufacturer Gajah Tunggal. Under the brand name “Gajah Tunggal” the company also produces cross-ply tyres for trucks and buses as well as industrial tyres and motorcycle tyres under brand names “Nitto Tyre” and “IRC”.

In Germany GT-Radial tyres have been sold exclusively by wholesaler Reifen Gundlach (part of the Japanese Itochu group) for about six years. During the event the tyre manufacturer presented (among others) two new tyres, “Preciro” (available from May, eleven sizes, series 60 and 65) and “Classiro” (QIII/2000, seven sizes, series 70). The current range of products has also been enlarged by new sizes/versions and the Indonesians also become increasingly interested in the small transporter and van segment.

When Gajah Tunggal speaks of the intention to enter the radial truck tyre business, the company is probably taking the long view. Further volume growth in the winter car tyre segment is targeted, too. Especially in Germany, one of the most important markets for the company anyway.

The export business (80 to 90 p.c.) in GT-Radial tyres is (more than) vital for the manufacturer, since sales figures in the non-radial tyre segment have fallen sharply due to the Asian crisis.