Dunlop launches first tire under Sumitomo Rubber ownership

Offenbach, Germany – Dunlop has launched a new premium summer passenger-car tire in Europe, marking the first product developed under the brand’s new ownership by Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI).

Developed by Dunlop engineering teams in Germany and Japan, the Blue Response TG tire is being produced at SRI’s manufacturing facility in Turkey, Dunlop Tyre Europe announced 13 March.

The tire will be offered in 99 sizes ranging from 15 to 21 inches, with availability in the European market starting March.

According to Dunlop, the product is designed to deliver a combination of ride comfort, handling stability and braking performance.

The tire “balances comfort, refinement and control,” the company said, adding that the “TG” designation refers to “touring”, reflecting its focus on long-distance comfort and efficiency.

Designed for use on both ICE and electric vehicles, the tire incorporates a “three-zone rib design” intended to improve water evacuation and stability in wet conditions.

The shoulder area includes lateral grooves, helping “reduce block deformation under load and ensure consistent force transfer in corners and under braking.”

The tire uses a new tread compound with “longer, more resilient polymer chains”, designed to improve wear resistance and extend mileage.

It also features a noise-reducing tread pattern in which lateral grooves are linked into continuous channels.

SRI acquired the Dunlop passenger-car tire brand rights for Europe, North America and Oceania in 2025, bringing the brand under its control alongside its Falken and Sumitomo tire businesses.