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Falken Tyres the Story
Falken Tyres the Story
From the Race Track to the Roads of Halifax: The Story of Falken Tyres
If you’ve been in the tyre game for a while, you’ll know that Falken Tyres have come a long way from being a lesser-known Japanese brand to one of the most trusted names for performance and all-season driving in the UK. Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we’ve fitted loads of Falkens over the years — and it’s easy to see why they’ve become such a popular choice among Yorkshire drivers.
A fast start in Japan : Falken Tyres the Story
Falken was launched back in 1983 as a high-performance brand by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, the same parent company behind Dunlop Tyres Japan. (falken https://www.falkentyre.com/en/excitement/action-and-lifestyle ntyre.com) The aim was simple: to produce tyres that offered motorsport-level handling for everyday drivers.
Sumitomo wanted a new name that represented “dynamic performance”—and so Falken was born. The name itself comes from the German word “Falke”, meaning falcon, a bird known for its speed and precision.
Within just a few years, Falken became a rising star in Japan’s booming car culture of the 1980s, where performance tuning and drift racing were taking off in a big way.
Breaking into global motorsport
By 1988, Falken had launched in the United States and soon made its mark in global racing. The brand competed in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the American Le Mans Series and even became well known in Formula Drift events.
Motorsport wasn’t just about showing off — Falken used it as a test bed for developing their tyre compounds and tread designs. The results of that R&D soon filtered into their everyday road tyres, improving grip, wear, and comfort.
Falken in Europe and the UK : Falken Tyres the Story
Falken expanded across Europe through Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH, with its European headquarters based in Offenbach, Germany. (falkentyre.com) They focused heavily on the mid-range market, offering tyres that delivered premium-like performance without the top-end price tag — something UK drivers quickly took to.
By the 2000s, Falken had become a respected choice for both car enthusiasts and everyday motorists. Their Ziex, Azenis, and Wildpeak ranges offered something for everyone—from high-performance sports cars to SUVs and 4x4s tackling British backroads.
Falken technology and innovation
Falken’s ongoing success comes from smart use of technology. Their tyres are developed using advanced simulation tools and testing on real-world tracks across Japan and Europe.
Some of their best-known innovations include:
4D Nano Design – a compound technology that improves grip and wear resistance.
Silent Core – a built-in noise-reducing foam layer that cuts cabin noise for a smoother drive.
Adaptive Constant Pressure (ACP) tread design – spreads pressure evenly for longer life and better handling
These features can be found in popular models like the Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun (great for fuel efficiency and wet grip) and the Wildpeak A/T AT3WA (built for SUVs and off-road use).
Falken on Halifax roads : Falken Tyres the Story
Here in Halifax, we’ve seen Falken tyres become a go-to option for drivers who want reliable performance without breaking the bank. Our local roads — with their steep climbs, sharp bends, and wet cobbles—really put tyres to the test, and Falken holds up brilliantly.
We often fit the Ziex ZE310 for drivers commuting between Halifax, Leeds, and Manchester — it gives a smooth, quiet ride and handles the M62’s wet stretches well. Meanwhile, our rural customers around Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, and Queensbury like the Wildpeak range for its durability and grip on country roads.
For those looking to stay road-ready year-round, the Falken AS210 All Season is a sound pick — it’s built for the unpredictable British weather that changes from sunshine to sleet in an hour!
Local trust and availability
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we’ve always liked Falken for its value, quality, and consistency. It sits nicely between the top-end brands like Bridgestone or Michelin and the budget ranges that can sometimes compromise performance.
We source Falken tyres directly through trusted UK suppliers, ensuring quick availability and fresh stock. You can see our current Falken range here:
👉 www.pellontyres.co.uk/tyres/falken
We also offer full wheel alignment, brake checks, and MOT testing, so your tyres last longer and perform properly on the road. (www.pellontyres.co.uk/mot)
A brand that keeps moving forward
Falken continues to grow across Europe and now supplies original equipment (OE) tyres for several major car manufacturers — including Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota. (falkentyre.com) That’s proof that the big names trust Falken’s quality and reliability.
Their growing investment in sustainability, particularly low-rolling-resistance technology, shows that Falken’s future is just as strong as its racing past.
🚗 Local wrap-up
From its Japanese racing roots to the streets of Halifax, Falken Tyres has built a reputation for reliability, performance, and everyday value. Whether you’re tackling the A629 in the rain or cruising across the moors at the weekend, Falken tyres are designed to keep you safe and comfortable all year round.
Pop into Pellon Tyre and Autocentre for a chat—we’ll help you find the perfect Falken tyres for your car, van, or SUV, and make sure they’re fitted and balanced properly for local driving conditions.