Unlike for many in the tyre industry, for commercial agent SD International 2009 did not lead to the much feared recession. As managing director Mike Zhang explained during the CITExpo show, last year’s company turnover was able to hold its own in comparison with 2008 levels – a feat that, in light of the global drop in demand that particularly affected tyres from China, can be considered a glowing success. For the current year the managing director of the 2002 established company is making an even more positive prediction: he expects a doubling – or more – of turnover from its own brands. European sales will be the largest driving force behind this sales increase, however Zhang adds it will also come from Oceania and South America.