Goodyear to Increase Tire Output In China

SHANGHAI - August 15, 2007: Now that Goodyear Dalian Tire's $140 million (1.06 billion yuan) project is near completion, further expansion is being planned, according to a company official.

"By the end of this year, the daily output of the plant will be 17,000 units," said John Gonsalves, quality and technology manager of Goodyear Dalian Tyre Co. "We plan to increase the output next year," Gonsalves added.

The plant was set up in 1995, and expanded in 2001 and 2003.

"About 30% of the products will be exported to Asia-Pacific region, Germany, India, Egypt, Israel and North America, however, the total exports are expected to decrease later," Gonsalves said. "China will be our main market rather than export market," he added.

Goodyear's customers in China include Chery Automobile, Shanghai VW, FAW-VW, Great Wall Automobile and Brilliance Automobile.

Most of the natural rubber used in the plant is imported directly from South East Asia.

For more information about the burgeoning auto industry in China please visit http://www.gasgoo.com/Autobiz/list/7/China-News.html