Sumitomo Rubber targets European EV market with new product launch

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) is targeting growth within the European electric vehicle (EV) tire market, where demand has been growing “at a rapid pace”.

The Japanese group is launching a new line of Falken replacement tires for EVs in Europe, featuring “the highest level of fuel efficiency” of any tire SRI has produced so far.

The Falken “e. Ziex” tire is SRI’s second line of replacement tires designed for EVs, after its introduction of the Dunlop “e. Sport Maxx,” in China last year.

In a statement 10 March, SRI said the market for EVs is becoming the focus of global attention as more people around the world take an active interest in environmental issues.

According to SRI, China and Europe have been its initial target markets for replacement EV tires, reflecting strong growth trend in both regions.

“As environmental awareness is… quite high in Europe, we have high expectations for the future of the EV market in the region,” SRI commented in its latest release.

Last month, SRI unveiled its new midterm plan (2023-2027), in which it committed to “redoubling efforts” to develop and produce EV tires in response to new-mobility trends.

By 2027, the group has set itself a target to introduce ‘next-gen’ EV tires with 30% rolling resistance and 20% lower weight compared to 2019 levels.