Three new Dunlop motorcycle tyres are scheduled for release in the second half of the year, and with this trio the tyre brand aims to create its “strongest-ever portfolio. The planned launches include a retro-styled tyre featuring modern technology, a new addition to the Geomax range and a trail tyre that “promises to showcase Dunlop’s interpretation for this trendsetting segment.”
Numerous niche subcategories now exist within key segments of the motorcycle market, a phenomenon mirroring the high proportion of bike owners riding for pleasure. This blurring of traditional segment boundaries presents a challenge to tyre makers, who must decide between a ‘one size fits all’ approach or striving to meet the individual needs of a growing number of rider groups. For Dunlop, it was an easy decision.
The big news from Dunlop this spring is the imminent release of a new hypersport tyre range, the fifth it has introduced in the last two years. “Dunlop is now the freshest and most diverse range in the hypersport segment,” declares Carpentier when introducing the SportSmart Mk3. This successor to the SportSmart 2 Max is Dunlop’s most balanced hypersport product, and as such will be its biggest volume seller in the segment. The SportSmart Mk3 has been launched in one front and five rear sizes.
Goodyear Dunlop has appointed Edouard Carpentier director of its Consumer Tires business unit in France. The former French market supply chain director replaces Jean-Denis Perche, who began as general manager of Goodyear Dunlop’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) region on 1 August. In their new roles, Carpentier and Perche respectively report to EMEA region sales director Pietro Saletto and vice-president Emerging Markets EMEA Henry Johnson.
