Key Dunlop Stats
Dunlop stands as one of the most recognized tire brands globally, with origins tracing back to 1888 when John Boyd Dunlop invented the first practical pneumatic tire. The brand revolutionized transportation by making bicycles and later automobiles more comfortable and efficient.
Today, Sumitomo Rubber Industries owns the Dunlop tire brand across most global markets. The company manufactures tires for passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and aircraft. Dunlop also operates in the sports equipment sector, producing golf and tennis gear under its name.
The brand maintains partnerships with major automakers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Audi. Dunlop tires appear as original equipment on vehicles from Toyota, Nissan, and other manufacturers worldwide.
Dunlop History Timeline
Dunlop Co-founders
Dunlop Tire Competitors
The global tire industry features intense competition among established manufacturers. Michelin leads the market with 15.1% share, followed by Bridgestone at 14.2%. Dunlop competes primarily in the premium segment against these major players.
| Rank | Company | Headquarters | Annual Revenue (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michelin | Clermont-Ferrand, France | $25.7 billion |
| 2 | Bridgestone | Tokyo, Japan | $24.8 billion |
| 3 | Goodyear | Akron, USA | $17.5 billion |
| 4 | Continental | Hanover, Germany | $12.5 billion |
| 5 | Pirelli | Milan, Italy | $6.8 billion |
| 6 | Sumitomo Rubber (Dunlop) | Kobe, Japan | $7.99 billion |
| 7 | Hankook | Seoul, South Korea | $6.5 billion |
| 8 | Yokohama Rubber | Tokyo, Japan | $5.8 billion |
| 9 | ZC Rubber | Hangzhou, China | $4.2 billion |
| 10 | Sailun | Qingdao, China | $3.8 billion |
Dunlop Revenue Performance
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, owner of the Dunlop brand, reported sales revenue of 1,211.9 billion yen (approximately $7.99 billion) for fiscal year 2024. The tire segment generates roughly 87% of total company revenue.
The company projects 3.2% sales growth for fiscal year 2025, driven by the Dunlop brand acquisition and increased premium tire sales. Overseas markets account for 70% of total revenue.
Dunlop Market Cap
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the parent company of Dunlop tires, holds a market capitalization of approximately $3.1 billion as of 2025. The company trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker symbol 5110.
Market cap fluctuated over the past decade due to currency exchange rates, restructuring costs, and strategic acquisitions including the recent $700 million Dunlop brand purchase from Goodyear.
Dunlop Acquisitions
The Dunlop brand changed hands multiple times throughout its history. BTR plc acquired Dunlop Ltd. in 1985, ending its independence as a British multinational. This acquisition marked the beginning of the brand’s fragmentation across different owners.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries acquired Dunlop’s European tire operations in 1983, establishing its presence in Western markets. The Japanese company continued expanding its Dunlop holdings through strategic purchases over the following decades.
In 1999, Sumitomo and Goodyear formed a global alliance that split Dunlop brand rights geographically. Goodyear controlled North America and Europe while Sumitomo retained Asia, Africa, and South America. This partnership dissolved in 2015 following allegations of anticompetitive conduct.
Sumitomo acquired Dunlop trademark rights in Africa from Apollo Tyres in 2013 for undisclosed terms. The company rebranded its South African operations as Sumitomo Rubber South Africa in 2014. This purchase consolidated Dunlop tire manufacturing across the African continent.
The 2016 acquisition of Dunlop sports brands from Sports Direct gave Sumitomo control over Dunlop-branded golf and tennis equipment worldwide. This $137 million deal included Dunlop Brands Limited, Dunlop Slazenger, and Dunlop Australia.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries completed its largest Dunlop-related acquisition in May 2025. The company paid approximately $700 million to Goodyear for Dunlop brand rights covering Europe, North America, and Oceania. This purchase unified global Dunlop tire brand ownership under Sumitomo for the first time in decades.
FAQs
Who invented Dunlop tires?
John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish veterinary surgeon, invented the first practical pneumatic tire in Belfast, Ireland, in 1888. He created it to improve his son’s tricycle comfort.
Who owns the Dunlop tire brand today?
Sumitomo Rubber Industries owns the Dunlop tire brand globally after acquiring all remaining rights from Goodyear in May 2025 for approximately $700 million.
When was Dunlop founded?
Dunlop was founded in 1889 as Pneumatic Tyre and Booth’s Cycle Agency Co. Ltd. in Dublin. The company later became Dunlop Rubber Company in 1901.
What products does Dunlop manufacture?
Dunlop manufactures tires for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft. The brand also produces golf clubs, tennis rackets, and sports equipment.
Where is Dunlop tire headquarters located?
Dunlop tire operations are headquartered in Kobe, Japan, under parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries. The brand originated in Belfast and Dublin, Ireland.