SUMITOMO Rubber South Africa (SRSA) has been selected as the sole tyre supplier for the latest Toyota Hilux Black Edition and Toyota Fortuner 18 inch derivatives.
The OE agreement comes after several months of consultation between the two parties which included close liaison amongst their Japanese counter parts to create the best tyre with superior on and off the road performance. “The 18-inch tyre is Toyota’s highest pick up and SUV tyre specification, now manufactured in South Africa with superb wet grip, low drive noise, comfort, fuel economy and safety features,” SRSA said in a statement.
It added that the manufacturing in South Africa had been made possible by SRSA’s multi-billion-rand investment into their Ladysmith plant. The initial phase of R1.1 billion, which commenced in 2014, focused on the upgrading and modernisation of the plant’s capacity, introducing new technology and equipment aimed at increasing manufacturing output of high quality Passenger, Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and Light Truck tyres.
The Toyota Hilux and Fortuner have consistently maintained their new car sales top selling position in the pickup and SUV segments in South Africa over the last five years.
“We are proud to be the sole OE supplier for 18 inch derivatives for the Toyota Hilux Black Edition Toyota Fortuner in this competitive industry,” said SRSA CEO Riaz Haffejee.
“The Toyota Hilux Black Edition and Toyota Fortuner can transform seamlessly from a sophisticated urban warrior to a fierce bush conqueror with Dunlop tyres. The tyre combines all three critical benefits of SUV/pick up tyres namely strong side wall, off road and on road performance and better puncture resistance.”
The OE supply is a welcome addition by Dunlop Dealers as it will have a direct impact on their sales in the replacement market.