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Dunlop Expands its Nigerian Footprint

"Sumitomo Rubber in partnership with Tyre Express Nigeria Ltd are proud to announce the opening of their Flagship Dunlop Zone store in Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria. "

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

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.

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

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.

“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 12 factories across the world and sells Dunlop, Falken and Sumitomo tyre brands into 48 African countries.

The new store will officially launch on 11 October 2017.