Sava takes on Goodyear Dunlop name

As of July 1, Slovenia’s Sava Tires will be known as Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires. This name change was announced by Sava Tires management at a press conference on June 28; the reason given for adopting the new name was that it will bring the Sava operation’s company name in line with the other Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe companies. Furthermore, it is expected the new name will give the company greater visibility and strengthen its market position.

Thierry Villard, CEO of Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires, commented that the name Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires reflects who the Slovenian firm is; numerous Goodyear brands are produced by the company, including Goodyear, Dunlop, Sava, Fulda and Debica. Villard noted that the share of Goodyear and Dunlop-branded tyres produced by Sava is increasing. “The name Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires will be even more recognisable as a very successful and profitable Slovenian company that benefits from belonging to the strong global Goodyear corporation,” he added.

Financial and operating results for the 2010 financial year were also announced at the June 28 press conference. The tyre maker’s financial director, Stephane Hoarau, reported a 25 per cent increase in net sales during the year to 373.8 million euros. Profits rose by more than 28 per cent to 14.3 million euros. During 2010 the company produced 7.12 million tyres, with European Union sales accounting for 77 per cent of the total.