Dunlop Zone store opens in Victoria Island as tyre giant expands its Nigerian footprint + Exclusive Photos

Mr. Riaz Haffejee, CEO Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SRSA), giving his welcome remarks at the event.

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (PTY) Ltd (SRSA) in partnership with Tyre Express Nigeria Ltd are proud to announce the opening of their Dunlop Zone store in Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria.

Mr. Govind Ram, Director of Tyres Express Nigeria delivering his address at the launch.

The opening of this store speaks directly to SRSA Africa expansion strategy which sees them focusing on key African countries with great growth potential and expanding markets. In Nigeria, SRSA has already opened four stores in Lagos, through our partnerships with our distributor.

Mr. Riaz addressing top management staff at the launch.

With the city’s population estimated at 21 million, this store is strategically located to service a range of customer needs including and not limited to ancillary services such as balancing, alignment, brakes, batteries, shock absorbers, exhausts and tow bars.

The new ultra modern Dunlop Zone on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island.

Through market engagements based on SRSA’s success in various distribution channels, they have introduced the Tyre Retail model to the African continent. Tyre retail in Nigeria is a maturing industry with growing potential, there is huge scope for organized retail sector with the growing numbers of vehicles particularly in the SUV market. Customers are seeking a better shopping experience- that comes with a formalized retail store.

Tastefully furnished reception room of Dunlop Zone

This new world class retail centers will aim to offer a different experience to the customer, with high levels of service, comfortable lounges, free Wi-Fi zone and more.

Brand new tyres on display inside Dunlop Zone

“Our aim and vision is to change the experience of buying tyres in Nigeria”, said Govind Ram, Director of Tyres Express Nigeria.

“We are taking a long-term investment approach to this partnership, and have therefore made sure that we do not cut any corners. The Tyre Express we are opening in partnership with SRSA is of global standards and I am confident that it would stand high against any others in the world”, said Jaber Abbas, MD of Tyres Express Nigeria.

Riaz Haffejee CEO of Sumitomo said “It is our vision and aim to enhance the safety for all road users, and reduce the risk of accidents and loss of lives on the road. Motorists must be given readily-accessible choice of high quality new tyres at affordable prices to ensure the right product, is on the right vehicle and fits the right terrain.”

Sumitomo Rubber currently operates across South Africa and sells Dunlop, Falken and Sumitomo tyre brands into 48 neighboring African countries. The success of Dunlop Zones and its reception in many countries over the years has been highly encouraging, and SRSA confident that a similar pattern will follow in Lagos.

The new store was officially launched on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 amid applause and commendations from all the invited guests.

About Sumitomo Rubber

Sumitomo Rubber is owned by Japanese listed company Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (SRI), situated in Kobe, Japan, and is ranked the world’s sixth-largest producer of automotive tyres and industrial rubber products. The company has tyre manufacturing plants in Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Turkey, USA and South Africa. The existing South African plant in Ladysmith (founded in 1973) currently produces passenger car, sport utility vehicle and light truck tyres only, which are sold in South Africa and exported across Africa. SRSA head office in South Africa is located at The Old Factory Building, Lion Match Office Park, 892 Umgeni Road, Durban, 4001, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. www.srigroup.co.za