Kenda tires are made by Kenda Rubber Industrial Company, an independent Taiwanese tire manufacturer that has operated since 1962.
Kenda is known for its wide product range, covering bicycle, motorcycle, ATV, trailer, automobile, and industrial tires.
Kenda Rubber Industrial Company is a publicly traded Taiwanese company headquartered in Yuanlin, Changhua County, and is not owned by any larger tire conglomerate.
Knowing that Kenda remains independently owned helps explain why the brand supplies tires to other private label programs like Rocky Mountain.
This guide covers who owns Kenda, where the tires are manufactured, the company’s history, and how Kenda compares to Toyo in the trailer and specialty tire market.
So let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Kenda tires are made by Kenda Rubber Industrial Company, an independent Taiwanese manufacturer founded in 1962. The company operates its own factories in Taiwan, mainland China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, and is not owned by any other tire company.
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Who Makes Kenda Tires and Who Owns the Company?
Kenda Rubber Industrial Company designs and manufactures every tire sold under the Kenda name, with current products listed on the Kenda Tire official website.
The company was founded in Yuanlin, Taiwan in 1962 and remains a publicly traded, independent manufacturer.
In 2003, Kenda formed a joint venture with Cooper Tire in China, later selling its 50 percent share in that venture in 2011.
Kenda expanded into Europe in 2017 with the acquisition of Starco Europe, a Danish wheel supplier.
Where Are Kenda Tires Manufactured?
Kenda operates manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, mainland China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
The company was the 27th largest tire maker in the world in 2010, a scale documented on Wikipedia’s Kenda Rubber Industrial Company entry.
This multi country footprint lets Kenda supply automobile, motorcycle, ATV, and bicycle tires to markets around the world.
Kenda also produces tires for other companies under private label agreements, expanding its manufacturing reach further.
What Is the History Behind Kenda Rubber Industrial Company?
Kenda was founded in 1962 in Yuanlin, Taiwan, initially focusing on bicycle tires before expanding into other categories.
The company steadily grew its automotive, motorcycle, and industrial tire lines over the following decades.
Kenda has become a tire supplier to Formula Drift since 2023, expanding its presence in motorsport.
Today Kenda remains a significant global player, particularly strong in trailer, ATV, and specialty tire categories.
How Does Kenda Compare to Toyo Tires?
Kenda and Toyo both operate as independent Asian tire manufacturers with global production footprints.
Toyo focuses more heavily on passenger, performance, and off road tires for cars and trucks.
Kenda has a broader specialty focus, covering trailer, ATV, motorcycle, and bicycle tires alongside its automotive lineup.
Drivers looking specifically for trailer or ATV tires often turn to Kenda, while automotive shoppers frequently compare Toyo against premium competitors.
Are Kenda Tires a Good Value?
Kenda tires are generally well regarded, particularly in the trailer tire category where owners report years of reliable use.
The company’s decades of independent manufacturing experience contribute to consistent quality across its product lines.
Kenda’s automobile tires are less common in the US passenger market but remain competitive in ATV and specialty segments.
For trailer, ATV, and motorcycle applications, Kenda is often considered a dependable and affordable choice.
Where Can You Buy Kenda Tires?
Kenda tires are sold through independent dealers, powersports retailers, and trailer supply stores across the United States.
The Kenda Tire website includes a dealer locator to find authorized sellers.
Several online retailers also stock Kenda’s automotive and specialty tire lines.
Shoppers comparing specialty and private label tire brands may also want to read Who Makes Rocky Mountain Tires and Where Are Toyo Tires Made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenda Tires
Is Kenda a Taiwanese company?
Yes, Kenda Rubber Industrial Company was founded in Taiwan in 1962 and remains an independent Taiwanese manufacturer.
Does Kenda make tires for other brands?
Yes, Kenda has supplied tires for private label programs, including some Rocky Mountain trailer tire models.
Where does Kenda manufacture its tires?
Kenda operates manufacturing plants in Taiwan, mainland China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Are Kenda tires good?
Yes, Kenda tires are generally well regarded, especially in the trailer, ATV, and motorcycle tire categories.
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.