As of July 1, Slovenia’s Sava Tires will be known as Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires.

This name change was announced by Sava Tires management at a press conference on June 28. The reason given for adopting the new name was that it will bring the Sava operation’s company name in line with the other Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe companies.

Furthermore, it is expected the new name will give the company greater visibility and strengthen its market position.

Thierry Villard, CEO, commented that the name Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires confirms that numerous Goodyear brands are produced by the company, including Goodyear, Dunlop, Sava, Fulda and Debica. Villard noted that the share of Goodyear and Dunlop-branded tires produced by Sava is increasing. “The name Goodyear Dunlop Sava Tires will be even more recognizable as a very successful and profitable Slovenian company that benefits from belonging to the strong global Goodyear corporation,” he added.

Financial and operating results for the 2010 financial year also were announced at the June 28 press conference. The tiremaker’s financial director, Stephane Hoarau, reported a 25% increase in net sales during the year to 373.8 million euros. Profits rose by more than 28% to 14.3 million euros. During 2010 the company produced 7.12 million tires, with European Union sales accounting for 77% of the total. (Tyres & Accessories)