Liverpool-based wholesaler Kirkby Tyres & Wheels reports that its brands continue to perform well in the UK market, with new Double Coin sizes, solid Sailun performance and the new Longmarch range making the headlines.
April reports of the Sailun Group’s move to raise capital of “up to 1.2 billion yuan” (c. £114 million) through the private placement of shares is just the latest positive step in the development of a name still in its adolescence. While the merger with Jinyu in 2012, only its tenth year in existence, placed the company alongside larger manufacturers in China, overseas developments have followed, with a large factory in Vietnam online since February. Developing a European base has also come quickly, with Sailun establishing an office headed by managing director Martin West in Solihull by 2010, who has worked quickly to build partnerships with local wholesalers in the various European markets. Meeting West in Solihull, Tyres & Accessories asked how corporate growth has informed Sailun’s approach to the European market.
Sailun Tyres has expanded its European team with the appointment of Michael Eckert as senior product marketing manager (Europe). Eckert has more than 18 years’ tyre industry experience that covers various roles at Michelin and, most recently, Hankook. These positions include a number of senior roles related to truck tyres, racing and motorsport teams and responsibility for original equipment.
Sailun’s Vietnam factory, its first manufacturing facility outside China, is now fully online having opened officially opened on 30 November. The factory is currently expected to supply 7.8 million tyres annually to the Middle East, South East Asia and South America, employing 850 people.
Tyre manufacturer Sailun has confirmed to Tyrepress an “indirect interest” in Kings Road Tyres. While the direct players in the investment group have yet to be fully confirmed, Sailun’s indirect interest gives some indication of potential tyre industry figures involved in the partnership, confirmed to involve Chinese, European and North American interests.
Starting 1 January, Farnese Pneumatici S.p.A. has taken over as Italian-market distributor for Sailun Tyres (Europe). The Vetralla-based wholesaler will distribute Sailun’s passenger car, 4×4, winter and light commercial vehicle ranges. Announcing the deal, the wholesaler’s sales and marketing director, Rinaldo Farnese, commented: “Our nationwide network of depots, dealers and sales agents makes us an excellent national fit with Sailun.”
Sailun has announced the appointment of Thomas (WookChoon) Jang as the latest tyre developer to join its European head office team in Birmingham. Jang will specialise in the development of products for the Sailun passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyre range.
Kirkby Tyres’ Commercial Vehicle Show stand gave over a large proportion of its Hall Five space to displaying Sailun Tyres’ 16-strong range of TBR tyres. One of major UK distributors of truck, agricultural, plant and quad tyres, Kirkby are the sole distributor of Sailun truck tyres in the UK and Ireland. The distributor was pleased with the number of enquiries about the range, and went as far as to say that it was “our best ever.”
Sailun Tyres has developed the services offered by its online order portal, with European customers now able to track containers and view order details. Each user can now access their own Sailun Order Dashboard, from which the new features can be accessed.
A new strapline will soon represent Sailun Tyres. The phrase the company will introduce is “with you through every turn”, a strapline developed following a series of North American research exercises involving consumers, dealers, distributors and competitors.
Sailun has announced that its new light truck and sport utility vehicle all-season tyre, the Terramax CVR, is now available in Europe in 18 sizes. The manufacturer says it had crossover vehicles in mind with the Terramax CVR, and the tyre is designed to meet the stability, handling and comfort demands of the segment’s vehicles.
Dated: AUG 14, 2012 Dynamic Tire Corporation (Dynamic) is recalling certain Sailun S825 commercial application tires, size 385/65R22.5, produced between March and April 2012. The inner-liner thickness may be thinner tha. … Related news: Reports: Sailun planning US$100 million Vietnam subsidiary Sailun adds 15 sizes to winter tyre range BIG FOOT ( 12T014000 ) VOGUE […]
Yorkshire-based tyre wholesaler Bond International has announced that it has secured a deal with one of the fastest growing independent tyre, wheel and car service centre networks in the UK. From 1 November 2012, Bond will supply its exclusive brands Sailun and Jinyu as the main budget tyre offering to Point S.
Sailun Tyres appointed Chr. Kapodistrias & Sons Limited as its sole distributor of passenger car and radial truck tyres in Cyprus earlier in the year. The company is the largest automotive parts company in Cyprus. Sailun says the companies will pursue a number of brand awareness and marketing communication initiatives to stimulate sales and growth for Sailun in Cyprus. These will include radio commercials; press advertisements; leaflet distribution; participation in a local automotive exhibition; an appearance on rally and racing cars and events; and an event evening in Nicosia with a joint presentation and cocktail party for key, existing and potential new customers.
Sailun Tyres has announced that it will be exhibiting at the MIMS Automechanika Show being held in Moscow in late August 2012. The show is held from 27-30 August 27th at the Moscow Expocentre fairground – Pavilions 2, 7 and 8 and the Forum. The Sailun stand is located in Pavilion 2, Hall 3 – stand D611.
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