Goodyear has established its first development center in China, situated on the same site as the company’s tire manufacturing facility in the country. The center will expand Goodyear’s capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region and will enable it to increase the speed and efficiency of tire development, especially for China-based automakers. It will also enable the company to gain original equipment fitments in China, including for new energy vehicles.
Core tire technology will continue to be developed in Goodyear’s global Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, with China development activities focused on product customization for original equipment deals and project support services.
Richard J Kramer, chairman and CEO, Goodyear, said, “The new China development center will be an integral part of our network of global innovation centers and strengthen our innovation leadership role in the global tire industry.
“The time is right for us to increase our capabilities in China to ensure we remain first with our customers. We have built strong relationships with original equipment manufacturers and our investment in this new development center will enable us to expand our new product offerings, accelerate our speed-to-market and increase the value we deliver to these key customers.”
March 31, 2015
