- Investments planned to grow replacement and OE tire business
- Company committed to maintaining strong supply and service for customers
Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Japan.
After working in a joint venture alliance with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI) for the past 16 years, Nippon Goodyear Ltd. will begin serving the Japan market as an independent entity, effective today.
Nippon Goodyear has a deep history in Japan having served customers and built deep relationships over the past 63 years. As one of the world largest tire companies with strong global brand, Goodyear sees significant opportunities to grow its presence in the important Japan market.
"Goodyear is the leading overseas tire brand in Japan and we can assure customers of our strong and ongoing commitment to this market now and into the future," said Dan Smytka, president of Goodyear Asia Pacific.
"We look forward to building on the strong global and local customer relationships we have in place today and intend to increase the Goodyear brand's presence in both the replacement and OE tire segments," said Smytka. "Japan is one of the world's most important automotive manufacturing and supply markets."
"This is an exciting time to be part of the Goodyear business in Japan and I am honoured to be appointed to lead the business into its next chapter of success," said Dale Brackin, president of Nippon Goodyear.
"As a global leader in tire technology and innovation, Goodyear will be investing to ensure continued product vitality and brand building in Japan.
"We will be working more closely with customers to better understand their requirements and to deliver quality products that consumers want and need," he said.
Organized in 1952, Nippon Goodyear sells domestically produced and imported Goodyear-brand tires in the replacement and original equipment markets. Its affiliate, Nippon Giant Tire, produces off-road tires for earthmovers and heavy equipment at a factory in Tatsuno. Goodyear also markets and distributes aviation tires in Japan.