Falken sees positive changes in European tire market

London - Falken Tyre Europe GmbH has started to see post-Covid positive changes in the European market as tire dealers in Germany, Austria and Poland reopened in late May and early June. 

“Sales were good, better than expected and [in] some markets such as Poland we’re doing very well,” said Markus Bogner, president of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH in a Q&A with ERJ.

Looking at half year results, the Falken official said he believed his company had done “much better than others” despite a slowdown caused by the pandemic.

“Of course, all tire makers have experienced the [Covid] impact. But I think the efforts made by our staff, the processes and contingencies such as stock management, communication and the welfare of our staff, improved Falken’s position,” he added.

Another positive side of Covid, Bogner said, was Falken’s ability to strengthen its relationship with customers. 

“We have received praise for the support we have given them and the fact that we were accessible during those critical first few weeks,” he said. 

Falken Tyre Europe is a European subsidiary of Japan's Sumitomo Rubber Industries Co., which ranked fifth in ERJ’s 2019 Global Tire Report.

Strong and fast communication is vital during times of heightened uncertainty and it was appreciated by our partners.

But as the fifth largest tire manufacturer in the world, our parent company SRI is in a strong position and its reassuring to have its support. That’s a very positive aspect for Falken.