Sameer's Yana Tyres Struggling to Take Off - Tire Review Magazine

Sameer’s Yana Tyres Struggling to Take Off

Sameer Africa recently raised its tyre prices by between 4% and 6%, the Nairobi Nation reports.

However, price increases are unlikely to help sales of the manufacturer’s Yana brand. Local news reports that stiff competition from imports, especially from South Korea, Egypt and South Africa, have left the company at a disadvantage following the price increase. "Kenya has no competitive advantage, and you can get any tyre you want from China at any price," managing director Eric Kimani told journalists.

The influx of imported tyres from these destinations reportedly increased significantly in 2005, following the introduction of the East African Community’s (EAC) Common External Tariff (CET). Under the CET, the EAC member states (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) agreed to a common tax rate of 10% on imports of new rubber tyres for buses and lorries. Initially, the import duty on tyres stood at between 25% and 35% as a way of protecting local manufacturers.

Newspapers report that Sameer Africa has been “adversely affected” by the post election instability the country is currently experiencing. As a result the company expects to lose about 150 million Kenyan shillings (roughly £1 million) in revenue, due to closed dealerships in the worst affected areas. The company also took a direct hit when one of its area sales depots was broken into during the period, and lost tyre stocks worth 8.5 million shillings (£60,000).

Sameer’s various difficulties come in spite of opening additional Yana tyre centres. Furthermore, in July 2007, it inaugurated a new light truck tyre assembly machine at a cost of 12 million (£84,000). According to news reports, Sameer Africa’s tyre exports to Comesa and the EAC now contribute more than 30% of its total revenue. Sameer currently supplying tyres to Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Somalia, among others.

The company introduced its Yana brand of tyres in market in November 2005 replacing Firestone tyres, which were being manufactured under contract from Bridgestone Corp., the holders of the brand name. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)

You May Also Like

Yokohama Rubber reveals 2024 motorsports activity plan

Yokohama said participation in motorsports activities is crucial to its efforts to strengthen the Advan and GeoLandar brands.

Yokohama-Nitrocross

Yokohama Rubber revealed its motorsports activity plan for 2024. The company said participation in motorsports activities is crucial to its efforts to strengthen the Advan and GeoLandar brands and is again participating in a wide variety of motorsports events around the globe, from top-category to grassroots events.

Yokohama Rubber will again supply its Advan tires to many teams participating in motorsports events, such as Japan’s Super GT, the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Yokohama Rubber’s GeoLandar tires will be supplied to teams participating in off-road races in North America and Asia, including the Baja 1000, King of the Hammers, the Mint 400 and the Asia Cross Country Rally.

TIA’s Advanced Farm Tire Service training to take place in June

The training class for technicians in the agricultural and farm tire industries is set to take place June 11-14.

TIA_training-
Maxxis-sponsored athletes make podium, overall top 10 at Mint 400

Maxxis athletes Michael McFayden, Ethan Ebert and Trey Gibbs had podium finishes at the Mint 400 on Maxxis RAZR XT tires.

2024-mint400-maxxis
Sun Auto Tire reveals winner of Ford Bronco Sport giveaway

Lowell Anderson entered the giveaway at his local Sun Auto Tire & Service store while receiving a routine oil change.

Sun-Auto-Bronco-giveaway
Nokian Tyres holds bracket challenge on worst roads in North America

In 2023, the tiremaker’s audience voted Quebec as the province or state with the worst road conditions on the continent.

Pothole-Protection-from-Nokian-Tyres

Other Posts

Gallery: 2024 Big O Tires conference and convention

Highlights from this year’s Big O Tires conference and convention, featuring a general session, trade show and breakout sessions.

Gary-Skidmore
Bridgestone’s Firestone Liberia rubber farm receives ISCC Plus recognition

According to Bridgestone, its Liberia facility earned the ISCC Plus certification for its efforts in reducing environmental impacts.

Firestone_Liberia
Ascenso Tires adds new OEM sales manager

Douglas Duesing has more than ten years of experience working in agriculture, construction and mining OEMs.

Ascenso-Douglas-Duesing-1400
Nexen Tire Motorsports drivers earn top placements at King of the Hammers

Nexen Tire Motorsports partnered with drivers across a variety of racing series both on- and off-road, including King of the Hammers.

Nexen-KOH