Reifen Straub distributing Linglong in DACH market

The recent opening of a plant in Serbia testifies that Shandong Linglong Tire has big plans for Europe. One of its key markets within the region is Germany, and the tyre maker has now found a new distribution partner for this country, as well as for Austria and Switzerland – the ‘DACH’ region. German tyre wholesaler and retailer Reifen Straub has taken on this role.

According to Reifen Straub, the new plant in Serbia and the simplified logistics it offers was one reason why it decided to become DACH distributor for Linglong. In addition to the new facility, managing director Eugen Straub comments that the tyre maker’s recently-extended partnership with German Bundesliga team VfL Wolfsburg “documents” the path that Linglong intends to take in Europe. “This creates the necessary conditions to meet the particular challenges of the demanding European market in the coming years.”

Master range central

The new DACH distributor won’t offer the entire Linglong consumer tyre portfolio in the three national markets, rather it intends to concentrate on the most recent additions to the line-up, products that Linglong has specifically developed to meet the requirements of European customers. The wholesaler views the new Master range as a key product here. “We exclusively import the current generation of Linglong in its entire range,” comments Eugen Straub, adding that Reifen Straub will do so for the entire passenger vehicles range, including SUV and UHP versions, as well as for light commercial vehicles and the growing camper segment. It will also offer a full range of trailer tyres.

According to Reifen Straub, a particular highlight in the current Linglong range is the new Linglong Grip Master 4S, which debuted at The Tire Cologne in May. This all-season tyre combines a v-shaped tread pattern with a new rubber compound developed for year-round use. The tyre comes to market with Reifen Straub in a range covering 59 dimensions. “With this, we are setting new emphases in the all-season tyre segment, especially in terms of price-performance ratio,” comments the wholesaler.