Page 17 - CTB N19 - 2017-03

INTERVIEW
few changes have been undertaken in the Regional segment, with some changes made to the GAR820. The product has seen its load index increased with a new size 9.5 R 17.5 being offered. Hutchins expanded on this by saying; “this tyre is an example of one that was used widely in Asia, but we have brought it across to the EU due to customer requests. It’s not a hugely popular size in the EU, but we have found that it has been quietly successful sitting on a global platform.”
Moving on, the brand-new GAM851 with enhanced labelling highlights the Mixed- Service segment after it was launched at Essen to replace the GT876. Up until now the all- position steer and trailer tyre has performed very well and passed 3PMSF certification. The portfolio also sees a tidied-up version of the GAM837 in the 295/80R22.5 size. Yet more adaptations and changes have occurred in the Urban range, with the main addition being
the addition of the 315/80R22.5 size to the GT867 pattern. The creation of this came about
willingness to listen to the needs of the market and of their customers. The pattern is specifically targeted at waste collection vehicles in urban operations, with it being characterised by an improved curbing band and a high load capacity to suit euro 6 vehicle axle loads. Once again, the product was transferred across from Asia following its success and is now being used to serve the needs of the waste sector, as well as on some buses. Regarding the Winter portfolio, the main change concerns the GSW226, where the load capacity was increased as Giti Tire sought out another opportunity to tweak and
casings, and decided to rebrand the range under the name “Genesis”. Hutchins explains; “we had to bring the range up to date and bring a clear definition between the old and the new.”
The Genesis Retread portfolio includes four sizes over two patterns. three of them are drive options and one is for trailers with all products being targeted at UK retread markets. All of the offerings are retreaded locally to reduce environmental impact and transport costs. Richard Hutchins adds; “retreading lowers the operational costs and proves the quality of the original Giti casings, which is critical when targeting fleets. Tyre
following a direct request from Giti Tire’s customer base, highlighting the company’s
improve one of their products. On the product development, reassessment and rebranding, Hutchins commented; “the rebranding exercise has really given us a great opportunity to assess our current product portfolio and offer new products or an improved one, giving us the chance to serve all types of niches. We’ve met our targets from what we set at Essen in terms of production, marketing and sales etc., and additionally our support services are also undergoing development.”
Giti Tire’s new tyre range was not the only rebranding exercise they have had to manage recently, they have also had a second rebranding project that focuses on their retread range. Giti Tire only retread their own
policies are becoming more and more an environmental issue, highlighting the importance of reusing the carcass.”
Regarding the changeover in the retread branding, Hutchins only had positive things to say. The new products have been very well accepted in the market, and the process has passed by smoothly. However, what Giti see as a key aspect in their retread strategy is the ‘use of reliable and quality retreaders and materials’, since these are the tangibles that can directly affect the reputation of the product.
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