2015

DUNLOP ZONE – 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Thursday, 28 May 2015

Dunlop Tyres SA

"Dunlop Zones, countrywide, are proud to be celebrating 20 years in the marketplace."

Dunlop Zones, countrywide, are proud to be celebrating 20 years in the marketplace. The Dunlop Zone store concept was created to offer a modern environment to customers that matches the high performance of Dunlop Tyres’ image. With elegant receptions and hospitality areas and high-impact branding, the Dunlop Zone is designed for comfort and convenience, providing motorists with a world-class tyre buying experience.

The concept of an independent network of tyre dealers was first initiated in 1995 as Dunlop Accredited Dealers (DAD) and then rebranded as Dunlop Zones in 2009. The fitment centres have since grown substantially over the past 20 years, developing into one of the largest and most successful independent dealerships in southern Africa. Dunlop Zones have the advantage of receiving the full support and backing from a major corporate brand and great pricing; as a member of this exclusive network.

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SRSA) owns the rights to the Dunlop brand in Africa and is part of global tyre manufacturer – Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd (SRI). The company, which has a Head Office in Durban and factory in Ladysmith, is proud to be celebrating this 20 year milestone with its dealers and is confident that we will be celebrating a further successful 20 years in the market.

SRI has a long relationship with the Dunlop brand having its first association in 1909 when the Sumitomo Group made an investment in Dunlop Japan, which was the newly formed subsidiary of the British company – Dunlop Rubber. Since then, SRI and the Dunlop brand have gone from strength to strength. Today SRSA produces tyres in passenger, SUV/4x4 and light truck from its South African factory and imports a premium truck brand from SRI’s global operations.

The Dunlop brand has a strong consumer loyalty base in South Africa, and is instantly recognisable throughout Africa. First introduced into the country in 1935, when Dunlop International opened its Durban factory and subsequently the Ladysmith factory in 1973, Dunlop has since gone on to build an impressive track record of achievements in the country. Today there are over 180 Dunlop Zones located at strategically selected positions throughout southern Africa with plans of further increasing their footprint in the future.

Coupled with the existing status and authority of the Dunlop brand in the country, a 20 year strong track record for service excellence and the strength of SRI as a global leader in high performance tyre manufacture, Sumitomo Rubber South Africa is confident of Dunlop Zones’ success in the market place and offers their heartfelt congratulations on this auspicious milestone as well as their thanks for all their support over the last 20 years. We look forward to celebrating another 20 years in the near future.

ENDS