Commercial vehicle latecomer Goodyear eyes public transport

US tire maker Goodyear is aggressively expanding in China's commercial vehicle market as it sees increasing demand for high-quality tires in modern logistics and public transportation.

"Chinese cities are growing fast and the needs of their urban transport are also challenging, placing an increasing demand for advanced tires," said David Beasley, vice-president of Goodyear's commercial product business unit in the Asia-Pacific region.

"As a global leader in commercial tires, Goodyear is committed to providing more refined solutions for developing the best possible city transport systems in China," he said.

After the launch of seven new tire products in March in Dalian, Goodyear last week presented its S800 high-performance tires for China's urban public transport systems. "You may see our determination in China by the aggressive launch of 11 tires within one year," said Beasley. "And we are going to bring at least six new tires to the country next year."

He said Goodyear aims to grow its commercial tire business in China by more than 100 percent annually from 2013 to 2015.

"After that we target a year-on-year growth of 25 percent for the long run," he said. "In three years, China will be our largest market in the Asia-Pacific."

Beasley said that he hopes the company's annual sales of commercial tires in China will reach 1 million units in the second half of the decade.

"According to the sales, we will find the right time to double our capacity to 2 million units in the Dalian plant with a second-phase project," he said.

While it was the first foreign tire manufacturer to invest in China when it arrived in 1994, Goodyear was a latecomer to the country's commercial tire market.

Its first product in the segment rolled off the production line in its Dalian plant last October.

"Though we are late, we put all the focus on China, not only providing leading products, but also offering a comprehensive urban transport solutions," said Beasley.

The Chinese government has called for green and safe public transportation with a focus on fuel conservation and emission reduction.

"Buses are the main means for public transportation, which have a high demand for durability and safety," said Leslie Wong, managing director of Goodyear China.

"The S800, compared with the previous generations, can provide longer mileage, better retreadibility and better performance through our innovation in new rubber materials, a more durable carcass and exclusive tire patterns."

lifangfang@chinadaily.com.cn