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As a global tire manufacturer with a rich history, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has made significant contributions to the automotive industry since its establishment in 1909. This blog post will explore the history and evolution of Sumitomo tires, their innovative technologies, and their current product offerings.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries was established in Kobe, Japan, in 1909 as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Group, one of Japan’s largest conglomerates. Initially, Sumitomo Rubber Industries focused on producing rubber products, including bicycle tires and industrial rubber products.

In 1931, Sumitomo Rubber Industries started producing its first passenger car tire, the Dunlop Sumitomo Tire, in a joint venture with Dunlop Rubber Company. By the 1960s, Sumitomo had become a leading tire manufacturer in Japan and started exporting its tires to other countries.

In 1991, Sumitomo formed a joint venture with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, forming the Goodyear Sumitomo Tire & Rubber Company. This partnership allowed Sumitomo to expand its global presence, particularly in the North American market.

In 2015, Sumitomo acquired the Falken Tire Corporation, a tire manufacturer based in California. This acquisition allowed Sumitomo to expand its product offerings and strengthen its presence in the North American market.

Sumitomo has been at the forefront of tire technology and innovation. One of Sumitomo’s most significant contributions to the tire industry is their 4D Nano Design technology, which allows them to create tires with superior grip and handling in all weather conditions.

Sumitomo’s 4D Nano Design technology uses nanoscale materials to improve the tire’s performance. The technology enables Sumitomo to optimize the distribution of filler particles in the rubber compound, resulting in better wear resistance, improved wet and dry grip, and lower rolling resistance.

Sumitomo offers a wide range of tires for various applications, including passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Here are some of their most popular tire lines:

1. HTR Enhance: This line of tires is designed for all-season performance, offering excellent wet and dry traction, as well as improved fuel efficiency.

2. Touring LS: The Touring LS line is designed for a quiet and comfortable ride. These tires offer excellent handling and stability, making them an ideal choice for long-distance driving.

3. Encounter HT: This line of tires is designed for SUVs and light trucks, providing excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The Encounter HT tires are also known for their long-lasting durability.

4. HTR Sport: The HTR Sport line is designed for sporty driving, offering precise handling and improved grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

5. ST719SE and ST938SE: These tire lines are designed for commercial vehicles and are optimized for durability and long-lasting performance.

In conclusion Sumitomo Rubber Industries has a rich history of producing high-quality tires that offer excellent performance and durability. Their innovative technologies, such as the 4D Nano Design technology, have contributed significantly to the tire industry. Today, Sumitomo offers a wide range of tires for various applications, making them a reliable choice for any driver.