Strongly Divides the Vulnerable to Break through the Survival Analysis of the Self-owned Brand Tires
The rapid increase in domestic vehicle ownership has driven significant growth in the tire industry, which remains one of the most critical components for vehicles. Last year alone, China produced 280 million tires, and this year’s demand is expected to surpass 300 million, marking a rise of over 15%. However, despite this growth, the market dynamics remain heavily influenced by foreign brands. In the passenger car tire segment, foreign manufacturers dominate, holding around 70% of the market, while independent Chinese brands only account for 30%. In contrast, in the commercial vehicle tire sector, local manufacturers hold a stronger position, capturing about 70% of the market.
According to industry experts, the limited presence of Chinese tire brands in the passenger car market is largely due to brand recognition and production scale. Foreign tire companies have long-standing partnerships with major automakers, making it difficult for local players to break into the supply chain. These partnerships are often formalized through agreements that protect local suppliers, further limiting opportunities for independent brands.
Tan Yukun, Secretary-General of the Rubber Branch of the China Rubber Association, explained that foreign automakers and tire manufacturers maintain a strong, unspoken alliance. This makes it challenging for Chinese tire brands to gain visibility or access to the market. A source from Michelin in China shared an example where Dongfeng Yueda Kia tested Michelin tires against Kumho, only to find Michelin significantly faster. Despite this, the automaker still opted for Kumho, highlighting the entrenched relationships between foreign brands and local dealers.
Production scale also plays a key role in limiting the growth of Chinese tire companies. Most independent brands produce only 2-3 million tires annually, while international giants like Michelin and Goodyear operate at scales exceeding 10 million units per year. This disparity makes it hard for local firms to compete in the increasingly competitive passenger car tire market. Additionally, as road conditions improve and vehicle performance advances, the demand for bias tires—commonly produced by Chinese manufacturers—is declining, creating new challenges for local companies.
Despite these obstacles, there is hope. Tan Yukun noted that Chinese auto brands have made significant progress in quality and production volume, offering new opportunities for local tire manufacturers. Companies like Chery, Geely, Brilliance, and Hafei are gaining traction in the sedan market, suggesting that if Chinese tire firms can enhance their technology, build stronger brands, and expand their production capacity, they may still catch up with international competitors.
Currently, Chinese tire companies benefit from lower labor costs compared to foreign counterparts, though this advantage is being eroded as multinational corporations establish local manufacturing facilities. To reverse their disadvantages in the passenger car tire market, Chinese brands must invest in R&D, especially in radial tire technology, and focus on expanding their brand awareness and production scale effectively.
Meanwhile, international tire giants continue to intensify their presence in China. By 2006, 19 foreign tire companies operated 36 factories in the country, producing 280 million tires and generating over 123.5 billion yuan in sales. With global tire demand expected to reach 300 million units by 2010, foreign companies like Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, and Kumho aim to capture over 20% of the market each, collectively controlling more than 80%.
In addition to competition, China's tire industry faces challenges such as overcapacity, rising raw material costs, and trade barriers. Multinational companies have taken advantage of these conditions, entering the market through acquisitions and direct investments. Today, the top 10 international tire brands account for nearly half of China's total tire output, with foreign firms dominating the high-end passenger car tire market.
Domestically, only a handful of state-owned enterprises remain competitive, while over 20 foreign-invested companies now control a large portion of the market. Small-scale tire manufacturers, many of which rely on local protectionism, struggle to compete due to outdated equipment and poor product quality.
Despite these challenges, China’s vast market and cost advantages continue to attract global investment. With plans to expand production capacities and enter new markets, foreign tire companies are accelerating their presence in China. For local manufacturers, the path forward requires innovation, brand building, and strategic expansion to compete on a global scale.
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