Independent tyre wholesaler Oak Tyres, part of Oak Group Holdings, has announced an exclusive partnership with leading Chinese manufacturer Linglong Tire. This collaboration will see Oak Tyres distributing Linglong's extensive range of tyres across the UK and Ireland, further expanding Oak’s growing brand portfolio.
This new partnership is a strategic move by Oak Tyres to meet increasing market demand within the value tyre segment, positioning both companies for growth in these key regions.
Known for its long-standing reputation in the tyre industry, Linglong Tire complements Oak Tyres’ existing portfolio of exclusive and private brands, which already includes Davanti, Landsail, Evergreen, Aptany, Delinte, and the recently launched Envoy brand, introduced at The Tire Cologne in June. Oak Tyres will now be stocking Linglong’s full range of summer, winter, and all-season products for the passenger car radial (PCR) market, including high-performance models such as the Sport Master UHP, Comfort Master HP, and the Green-Max Eco Touring.
Peter Cross, Commercial Director of Oak Group Holdings, commented on the partnership:
“This partnership with Linglong is an important step for Oak. We’re focused on growing our portfolio of products and international footprint, therefore working with the well-known Chinese-based tyre manufacturer was a great fit. We’re looking forward to distributing Linglong’s first European-produced PCR tyres to the UK market when the Serbia operation commences full mass production status in late 2024.”
This collaboration comes alongside Linglong Tire's new multi-year deal with Chelsea Football Club, where it has been named the official global tyre partner. As part of the deal, Linglong will supply tyres for Chelsea’s official travel coach in the UK and leverage the partnership through bespoke content creation and exclusive interactions between Chelsea’s star players and the Linglong brand.
Wang Feng, Chairman of Linglong Tire, highlighted the significance of the partnership:
“It’s an exciting moment for us as we announce our new partnership with Oak and the plans to grow distribution in the UK and Ireland. As a leading tyre brand in the Chinese market with OE supply agreements to prestigious vehicle manufacturers around the world, we are excited to grow our presence in the UK and Ireland market, and to do this with a trusted tyre wholesaler is important to us.”
For Oak Tyres, this partnership with Linglong represents a significant step forward as the company looks to broaden its international reach. Linglong’s first European-produced PCR tyres are expected to hit the UK market by late 2024, following the full production rollout at Linglong’s new facility in Serbia. This new venture positions Oak to offer European fleets and consumers a wider range of affordable, high-performance tyre options, reinforcing the company’s position in the value tyre market.
With the combined momentum of these new products and Linglong’s brand visibility through Chelsea FC, both companies are set to strengthen their presence in the UK and Ireland tyre markets, delivering cost-effective and quality solutions to customers.