The past few months have been quite the roller coaster for the local tyre industry. This is largely influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic which has brought with it a series of unprecedented challenges, as well as surprises for Stamford Tyres (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (STM), official importer and distributors of the Falken tyres brand.

“We never anticipated that the market will consume heavily in the current recovery phase. Car sales – both new and used – are increasing, thus creating a growing demand for tyres that we also didn’t initially anticipated,” said Conson Sia, STM’s CEO.

“The A/T3W’s unique offer of wide size range, attractive sidewall design and high-tech engineering is driving its success here, especially amongst non-urban consumers with light-duty trucks in plantation areas,” adds Conson regarding what drives said 4x4 tyre offering’s successful local market penetration.

Collectively, the other key factor driving the popularity of both the Wildpeak A/T3W and Azenis FK510 (pictured, left or above if you're viewing on mobile) products lie in Falken’s own global effort at becoming a trusted original equipment (OE) supplier. This is most apparent with Falken’s partnership with key carmakers in both the North American and European markets.

In explaining the gravity of said move, Conson continued by adding that “the moment you go down the OE path, the technologies involved to manufacture, as well as the market entry requirements, are both higher and stricter. The result of this benefits all of Falken’s products range as a whole.”

Given how the Azenis FK510 fared in our hands during its pre-launch test drive, it’s pretty self-explanatory as to how Falken’s own motto of ‘On The Pulse’ rings true. The fact that the brand even goes as far as adapting its tyres for our local market through factory-qualifying process is yet another key factor according to Conson.

With present matters addressed, our conversation soon led to the future and, given Conson’s coy hints, STM looks set to introduce yet another exciting new offering in the Falken range soon enough. “Think of it as the Azenis FK510’s younger brother of sorts,” was all Conson left us with, plus the confirmation of its focus for crossovers.

It’s safe to say that the Falken brand, under the local stewardship of STM, will be one to look out for in Malaysia come 2021.