Cooperation between GOODYEAR and Ford Vietnam
“Vietnam is our top priority country. With the attractive and open policies of the Vietnamese Government, we wish to do long-term business here,” said Mr Richard Fleming, Goodyear Managing Director ASEAN, said at a recent tyre supply signature ceremony for Vietnam by Goodyear International Corporation and Ford Vietnam in Hanoi.
During their century long histories, Ford and Goodyear have established very strong cooperation. Goodyear is the largest tyre supplier for Ford in the Asia-Pacific. In 2006, Goodyear supplied over half of tyre demand by Ford China and Ford Philippines. The US based Goodyear is a leading tyre supplier and is known for high quality and diversified products.
Goodyear tyres will be supplied to all Ford Vietnam service and maintenance centres in the country. Goodyear also notably provides tyres for high-class vehicles like Ford Focus, Mondeo and Escape. All 22 Ford Vietnam dealerships and service centres in the country will join the cooperative programme under the name Ford Motorcraft Vietnam. The concrete cooperation with Ford Vietnam is also a tentative step by Goodyear toward possible factory construction in the country.
Goodyear is one of a few tyre makers in the world with breakthrough production technologies. Car users in Vietnam will benefit from this cooperative deal. From now on, Ford Motocraft Vietnam centres or dealerships will always have sufficient tyres for all Ford vehicles in Vietnam. Technicians at dealerships and centres are well-trained, and the maintenance and service facilities are very modern.
Mr Le Viet Hung, Chief Representative of Goodyear in Vietnam, said: “The reason for the sole contract is that both sides mutually recognise the product and service quality. Supplying tyres for Ford Motorcraft Vietnam, Goodyear highly appreciates the quality of after-sales service that Ford Vietnam dealerships and centres provide. At the same time, Ford Motorcraft Vietnam also wants to have the best quality products for their regular customers.
According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), its 16 member carmakers manufactured 16,850 automobiles in the first four months this year, up 95 per cent on year, or 8,650 additional units. Car demand is rising as living standards improve. In addition, cuts in special consumption tax on finished cars and reduced tariffs on car parts are good news for the car market. Ford Vietnam and Goodyear International Corporation expect success in the new model of car manufacturing in Vietnam in coming years.
Kim Phuong
Vietnamese
