Dunlop tires are made by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the Japanese company that took full global ownership of the brand from Goodyear in 2025.
Dunlop is known as one of the oldest tire brands in the world, tracing back to the invention of the modern pneumatic tire.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries completed its purchase of Dunlop’s trademarks and intellectual property for Europe, North America, and Oceania in May 2025, paying roughly 735 million dollars.
Knowing that Dunlop is now fully controlled by Sumitomo helps explain the brand’s 2026 global rebrand and expansion strategy.
This guide covers who owns Dunlop today, where the tires are manufactured, the brand’s history, and how Dunlop compares to sister brand Falken.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Dunlop tires are made by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which completed its full acquisition of the Dunlop brand from Goodyear in May 2025 for roughly 735 million dollars. Dunlop was originally founded in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop in Belfast, Ireland, and Sumitomo now controls the brand worldwide alongside Falken.
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Who Makes Dunlop Tires and Who Owns the Brand?
Dunlop is owned and manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., with current lineups shown on the Dunlop Tires official website.
Sumitomo and Goodyear had jointly controlled different pieces of the Dunlop name for decades before Sumitomo took full ownership in 2025.
The deal excluded four wheel tire rights in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, though Sumitomo has since worked to close those gaps.
Beginning in January 2026, Sumitomo started rebranding several overseas subsidiaries under the Dunlop name as part of its long term global strategy.
Where Are Dunlop Tires Manufactured?
Dunlop tires are manufactured at Sumitomo Rubber Industries plants across Japan, Europe, and other global regions.
The brand’s ownership history and global operations are documented on Wikipedia’s Dunlop Tyres entry.
Goodyear continues to manufacture certain Dunlop consumer tires in Europe under a transition agreement through at least the end of 2026.
After that period, Sumitomo will supply specific Dunlop tires in Europe under a separate five year offtake agreement.
What Is the History of the Dunlop Brand?
Dunlop was founded in 1888 in Belfast, Ireland, when John Boyd Dunlop invented the modern pneumatic tire.
Ownership of the Dunlop name splintered over the following century, with different companies holding rights in different regions.
Sumitomo gained the right to manufacture and market Dunlop road tires in the 1980s and 1990s as its relationship with the original Dunlop Rubber Company evolved.
Sumitomo and Goodyear ran a joint venture over the Dunlop brand until 2015, when the partnership dissolved and Sumitomo regained full control of Dunlop motorcycle tires.
How Does Dunlop Compare to Falken Tires?
Dunlop and Falken are sister brands, both owned and manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries.
Dunlop carries a longer, more storied heritage dating back more than 130 years, giving it strong original equipment relationships with automakers.
Falken leans more into performance and motorsport branding, targeting a younger enthusiast audience.
Sumitomo has positioned Dunlop as its core global premium retail brand going into 2026.
Are Dunlop Tires a Good Value?
Dunlop tires are widely respected as a premium option, with strong original equipment relationships across the auto industry.
The brand generated roughly 755 million dollars in sales for Goodyear in 2023 alone, reflecting its strong market position.
Owner reviews commonly highlight strong wet weather grip and stable highway handling.
For drivers who want a historically significant premium brand, Dunlop remains a strong choice under its new ownership.
Where Can You Buy Dunlop Tires?
Dunlop tires are sold through major retailers, independent tire shops, and as original equipment on many new vehicles.
The Dunlop website includes a dealer locator to help find authorized sellers nearby.
Most online tire retailers also carry Dunlop’s full lineup with local installation options.
Shoppers comparing Sumitomo family brands may also want to read Who Makes Yokohama Tires and Where Are Continental Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunlop Tires
Who owns Dunlop tires now?
Sumitomo Rubber Industries has fully owned the Dunlop brand worldwide since completing its acquisition from Goodyear in May 2025.
Did Goodyear used to own Dunlop?
Yes, Goodyear held rights to Dunlop in Europe and North America for decades before selling the brand to Sumitomo in 2025.
When was Dunlop founded?
Dunlop was founded in 1888 in Belfast, Ireland, by John Boyd Dunlop.
Is Dunlop a good tire brand?
Yes, Dunlop is a well established premium brand with strong original equipment relationships and a long racing heritage.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.