It’s only when you really dive into the history of different tyre brands, that you realise how closely linked many of them are. Despite Dunlop now being owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, once upon a time it was acquired as part of the Goodyear Group – putting Goodyear and Dunlop tyres in the same tyre family.
In this blog, we’re looking at how different brands work and operate when they’re owned as part of the same Group or family, as well as comparing these two popular brands to find out which is the superior choice.
Dunlop’s History with Goodyear
Dunlop was founded in 1888 and has played a fairly prolific role in the development of the tyre industry – with John Boyd Dunlop creating the first pneumatic tyre and thereby informing the development of the modern tyre industry as it exists today.
Throughout the course of its history, Dunlop has been linked with several other brands, most notably Goodyear – before Goodyear eventually sold the Dunlop brand to Sumitomo in 2025. During this period of crossover, tyres for both brands would be manufactured in the same factories and tested in the same facilities, exposing both to similar innovations and blueprints and highlighting the interconnectivity between brands with different target audiences and goals.
In the words of Goodyear’s CEO, “The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear forward by optimizing our portfolio, reducing leverage and sharpening our focus on our core portfolio of brands.” Since the sale completed in May 2025, Dunlop has been moved to the centre of Sumitomo’s global premium tyre strategy, positioned as a brand that will utilise leading innovations and balance value for money with high-performance driving.
Dunlop Tyres: Pros and Cons
What, then, are the benefits of Dunlop Tyres – and does the brand have any major limitations?
Dunlop Tyres are highly regarded for their exceptional performance bridging wet and dry conditions, with the diverse range of tyres ensuring there is a model for all driver needs. While there are some limitations in high-speed precision and performance, Dunlop Tyres combine reliability and longevity – and are very competitive in price, especially for a premium brand.
These tyres tend to be selected by drivers who want a sporty driving experience, with high-performance features across different climates, and competitive pricing.
