Goodyear opens new development center in China

Akron, Ohio – Goodyear has established its first development in China to help service auto makers in the country and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Located at the company’s tire production factory in Pulandian, China, the centre will expand its capabilities in the sector, the firm said, adding that it will enable Goodyear to increase the speed and efficiency of tire development.

It will also allow the tire maker to enter new original equipment platforms in China, including new energy vehicles, Goodyear said.

“China is the world’s largest and fastest growing market for passenger cars and commercial trucks, and critical to Goodyear’s growth strategy,” Chairman and CEO Richard Kramer said in a statement.

He said the development centre will be an integral part of the firm’s network of global centres “and strengthen our innovation leadership role in the global tire industry.”

Core technology will continue to be developed at Goodyear’s innovation centres in Akron and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, while the development centre in China will focus on product customization for original equipment fitments and project support services. The company also operates development centres in Hanau, Germany, and Hebron, Ohio.