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Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

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Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

Toyo Tyres Born in Japan
Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

From Itami to Halifax: The Story of Toyo Tyres

If you drive around Halifax, you’ll spot Toyo tyres on a fair few cars — often those whose owners value performance, reliability, and something a little different from the usual brands. Here’s how Toyo grew from post-war beginnings in Japan to a global name, and why it fits well with the roads we see here in West Yorkshire.

A post-war start in Japan : Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

Toyo’s story begins in August 1945, when Rikimatsu Tomihisa founded the Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. in Japan. toyotires-global.com+1 The timing was significant — the Second World War had just ended, and Japan was rebuilding. Toyo started in rubber and industrial products, then gradually moved into tyre manufacturing. toyotires-global.com+1

By the early 1950s, Toyo had opened its Itami Manufacturing Complex and began producing car tyres for the domestic market. Their ambition didn’t stop there — exporting started, technical facilities were added, and by the 1960s Toyo was laying plans beyond Japan. toyotires-global.com+1

Expansion into Europe & the UK

Toyo’s move into Europe came via the establishment of Toyo Reifen GmbH in Germany in 1975 — their first European company. toyo.co.uk+1 A few years later, in 1981, Toyo Tyre UK was founded to serve the British market. toyo.co.uk+1 Over time, Toyo Tire Europe was set up (around 2005) to manage sales, distribution and marketing across Europe. toyo.co.uk

Through those decades Toyo built a reputation in performance tyres, SUVs, and off-road lines, expanding what they offered beyond ordinary passenger tyres. toyo.co.uk+1

What Toyo offers today (and why people choose it) Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

Toyo’s current ranges cover a wide array: high-performance Proxes lines, Open Country for SUVs and 4×4, and “green” options aiming for lower fuel consumption. toyo.co.uk They compete in motorsport as well — Toyo tyres have been used in endurance racing, drift, off-road rally events and more. toyo.co.uk+1

Because Toyo is not just a premium name from the main “big tyre brands”, it can sometimes offer good value for performance — making it attractive for drivers wanting something a bit more specialist. It also benefits from its experience in both Japan and overseas to combine durability with innovation.

Toyo on Yorkshire roads & at Pellon : Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

Here in Halifax and Calderdale, Toyo tyres have a niche — especially among drivers who appreciate the finer details of how their car feels. Over the years at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we’ve fitted them to hatchbacks, sports saloons, SUVs and 4×4 vehicles.

A few things we often hear:

On wet cobbled streets in town, Toyo’s tread designs help with water clearing and grip — useful when it pours unexpectedly.

On the steeper hills out toward Ripponden, Luddenden and above Mixenden, some of the Proxes and Open Country lines give drivers confidence in corners and load handling.

For drivers who don’t want the hassle of changing tyres every season, Toyo’s more all-season or tougher compounds are decent backups when the winter comes up high in the hills.

We’ve also seen drivers who do a daily run into Leeds or Manchester pick Toyo for the balance of comfort and responsiveness on motorways.

Challenges & brand image

Because Toyo is not always at the very top of the brand ladder in the UK, some potential buyers hesitate — but those who try it and come back often become repeat users. Ensuring proper local aftersales support (availability, warranty, knowledge) is key in making confidence in the brand stick.

Also, due to the many brands competing aggressively in UK tyres, Toyo must continue innovation to keep pace — improvements in noise, wear, and fuel efficiency are always part of the battle.

Local wrap-up & what to do next : Toyo Tyres Born in Japan

From Itami, Japan (1945), through Europe and into UK roads, Toyo tyres have carved a place for themselves with performance, innovation and broad usability. In Halifax, where roads change from busy urban streets to twisting hills, this kind of versatility is a big plus.

If you’re thinking of switching tyres or just curious about what’s best for your car, drop into Pellon Tyre and Autocentre — we’ll look at your drives, your budget, and the roads you use and match you with a Toyo (or alternative) that gets you where you need to go safely.

👉 Check out our Toyo tyres range page at www.pellontyres.co.uk/tyres/toyo (assuming you have or will create one on your site) or browse our full Tyre Brands section for comparisons.

 

Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

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Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast
Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

 From Belfast to the Hills of Halifax: The Story of Dunlop Tyres

When it comes to tyres with proper British heritage, few can match the story of Dunlop. It’s a brand born from pure invention, one that helped shape motoring itself — and it still holds a special place for drivers across the UK today.

A bright idea in Belfast

The Dunlop story starts back in 1888, when a Scottish-born vet living in Belfast, John Boyd Dunlop, came up with a clever idea to make his son’s tricycle ride smoother. He glued rubber sheets together around a wooden wheel and filled the space with air — creating the first practical pneumatic tyre.

That simple invention changed the world. Before that, all tyres were solid rubber or even metal, making for a rough, uncomfortable ride. Dunlop’s air-filled tyre gave cyclists (and soon motorists) a level of comfort and control they’d never experienced.

By 1889, the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company was formed, and it didn’t take long before the design spread far beyond Belfast. Within a few short years, car and bicycle manufacturers were knocking on Dunlop’s door for tyres.

Racing ahead in the early 1900s : Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

By the turn of the 20th century, Dunlop was already involved in motorsport, proving its tyres could handle speed and stress. In fact, Dunlop tyres were fitted to race-winning cars as early as 1902, and the brand soon became a household name in motor racing circles.

Dunlop also opened factories across the UK and beyond — including a major plant in Birmingham. The company became known not just for tyres but also for sporting goods like tennis rackets, golf balls and footwear.

Through the decades, Dunlop continued to innovate — developing tubeless tyres, run-flats, and high-performance compounds that made motoring safer and faster.

Dunlop through the modern era

After a series of mergers and ownership changes, Dunlop became part of Goodyear in 1999, while still keeping its strong brand identity in Europe. Today, Dunlop is one of the world’s best-known names in high-performance and motorsport tyres, with Goodyear providing the technology and support behind the scenes.

They’ve stayed heavily involved in motorsport—from endurance races like Le Mans to touring cars and motorcycle racing. Dunlop tyres are still trusted where grip, heat resistance, and durability really matter.

Dunlop and British motoring life

Dunlop’s story has always been tied closely to the UK. In fact, for much of the 20th century, if you bought a British-built car, it probably rolled out of the factory on Dunlops. From Morris Minors to Jaguars, the brand became part of everyday life.

Even now, Dunlop remains a popular choice for UK drivers who value solid grip, comfort, and dependable handling. Models like the Dunlop Sport BluResponse, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT, and Dunlop All Season 2 are firm favourites among those who want performance without sacrificing everyday comfort.

Driving around Halifax on Dunlops : Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

Here in Halifax, Dunlop tyres are a regular sight in our fitting bays at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre. We’ve fitted them to everything from small hatchbacks to sporty BMWs and family SUVs.

Customers who commute across the hilly Pennine roads — whether heading to Sowerby Bridge, Mixenden, or down towards Huddersfield — often mention how confident their cars feel on Dunlops in wet conditions. The tread design on the modern ranges helps clear water quickly, giving excellent braking performance even on greasy Yorkshire roads.

We’ve also seen good results from the Dunlop All Season 2 tyre — a solid option for local drivers who don’t fancy swapping tyres every winter but still want traction when the snow hits the tops above Halifax.

And for anyone with a sportier motor, Dunlop’s Sport Maxx range has always been one of my go-to recommendations. They give precise steering and loads of feedback on twisty country roads — ideal if you enjoy a spirited drive up towards Queensbury or Oxenhope.

Innovation and technology

Like other top-tier manufacturers, Dunlop continues to push forward with new materials and technologies. They use advanced silica tread compounds and innovative sidewall designs that improve both grip and fuel efficiency.

What’s also interesting is how Dunlop has adapted its tyre designs for electric and hybrid vehicles. The instant torque from EVs puts extra strain on tyres, and Dunlop has met that challenge with reinforced structures and low-noise tread patterns.

It’s proof that the brand that started with a tricycle in Belfast is still leading the way more than 130 years later.

The Dunlop difference : Dunlop Tyres Born in Belfast

For me, what makes Dunlop stand out is its blend of British history, racing heritage, and real-world reliability. It’s a name that’s earned its stripes — and one that fits perfectly with how we drive here in Yorkshire.

Whether you’re heading down to town for the weekly shop, driving over the moors on a Sunday afternoon, or clocking up motorway miles to Leeds or Manchester, Dunlop tyres offer safety, grip, and comfort that you can count on.

Firestone Tyres Still Popular

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Firestone Tyres Still Popular

Firestone Tyres Still Popular
Firestone Tyres Still Popular

From Ohio to Halifax: The Story of Firestone Tyres

When you spot a car in Halifax with Firestone tyres, you might not realise its roots stretch back over a century — and cross the Atlantic three times over. Firestone’s journey is one of innovation, ambition, ups and downs, and now a lasting legacy under Bridgestone’s wing.

The early days in Akron, Ohio

Firestone was founded in Akron, Ohio, on 3 August 1900, by businessman Harvey S. Firestone. Originally, Firestone produced rubber goods for horse-drawn carriages and buggies — harnesses, pads, bits of rubber gear — before turning to pneumatic (air-filled) tyres as motor cars started to take off. firestonetire.com + 2 Wikipedia + 2

By 1903, Firestone was manufacturing its own tyres. In 1906, it struck gold: a major supply deal with Henry Ford’s new Model T. That relationship helped Firestone become one of the first mass producers of automobile tyres in the U.S. Wikipedia + 3 Encyclopedia Britannica + 3 firestonetire.com + 3

Innovation wasn’t lacking. In 1908, Firestone released its first tyres with non-skid tread designs, greatly improving grip. firestonetire.com + 1 Over the next decades they expanded globally, built factories, and even entered motorsport. firestonetire.com +2 commercial.bridgestone.com + 2

In 1988, Bridgestone Corporation acquired Firestone, making it part of the wider Bridgestone family of tyre brands. Wikipedia + 2 commercial.bridgestone.com + 2 That move strengthened Bridgestone’s presence globally, particularly in America, and gave Firestone access to Bridgestone’s research, technology, and distribution muscle.

Despite the acquisition, Firestone kept its brand identity. Many of its tyre lines—Roadhawk, Firehawk, etc.—continue to be recognised in the UK and Europe.

No story is without its bumps. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Firestone was involved in a major safety recall controversy tied to tread separation on certain Firestone tyres fitted to Ford Explorers and similar models. Wikipedia + 2 Wikipedia + 2 The fallout strained the relationship with Ford, and Firestone’s parent, Bridgestone, eventually ended its century-long pact with Ford. WIRED + 2 Wikipedia + 2

That episode remains a cautionary tale in the tyre world — about quality control, manufacturing oversight, and the importance of safety, especially at higher speeds.

Firestone tyres in the UK and Halifax

Here in the UK, Firestone tyres are widely available and often considered a reliable mid- to upper-mid choice. You’ll see them listed on tyre seller sites, often in ranges like Roadhawk, Firehawk, Multihawk, and several all-season or van/4×4 models. etbtyres.co.uk + 3 Setyres + 3

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre Halifax, we’ve fitted Firestone tyres on many makes and models over the years. They strike a nice balance: good performance, decent longevity, and reasonable cost — especially for local drivers not wanting premium brand prices but still wanting a dependable tyre.

For example, for people doing the school run through Savile Park or commuting between Halifax and Elland via the hills, Firestone’s road grip in wet weather often gets compliments. The Roadhawk is a model people ask about when they want safer wet braking around town.

For those doing longer trips—say, Leeds or Manchester—the Firehawk and similar models have been chosen by customers looking for tyres that perform well on motorways but still cope with local hills and side roads on the return.

Solid balance of value and performance: It’s not always about having the most expensive brand. Many local drivers prefer a tyre that gives reliable braking, decent durability, and good braking in rain without breaking the bank.

Backed by Bridgestone technology: Because Firestone is part of Bridgestone, many of its tyres benefit from engineering improvements and R&D shared across the group.

Availability: You’ll find Firestone tyres across UK tyre fitting centres and tyre chains.

That said, for drivers who push hard or want ultra-premium grip, Firestone may not always match the absolute top-end brands — but in everyday driving around Halifax, it’s often a more than decent pick.

📍 Local wrap-up

From its start in Akron, Ohio, in 1900 to becoming part of the Bridgestone tyre family, Firestone has built a long legacy. It’s a story of innovation, a few stumbles, and steady reinvention—and it’s one that fits nicely into your garage’s toolkit here in Halifax.

If you’re looking for reliable tyres that meet the demands of both local drives and longer journeys, Firestone’s range is worth a glance. And, of course, if you want to talk through what’s best for your car, just pop in at Pellon — we’ll help you pick something that handles your roads, weather, and budget best.

Continental Tyres Story

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Continental Tyres Story

Continental Tyres Story
Continental Tyres Story

Continental Tyres Story

From Hanover to Halifax: The History of Continental Tyres

When people talk about quality European tyres, Continental is one of the first names that comes up — and with good reason. It’s a brand with a proper heritage, stretching back more than a century, and one that’s still right up there at the top of the game today.

A solid German beginning : Continental Tyres Story

Continental’s story starts in Hanover, Germany, way back in 1871. Back then, it wasn’t about car tyres at all—the company was called the Continental Caoutchouc & Gutta-Percha Company, and it made soft rubber products such as horse hoof pads and rubberised fabrics. Cars hadn’t even hit the roads yet!

But the firm’s engineers were clever sorts, and by the late 1800s they were already experimenting with pneumatic tyres—the kind filled with air rather than being solid rubber. In 1904, Continental became the first company in the world to produce grooved car tyres, which massively improved grip and handling.

That same spirit of invention has stayed with the brand ever since. Continental was also behind the first detachable rim wheel and, years later, the development of synthetic rubber when natural supplies became scarce during wartime.

The motor age and beyond : Continental Tyres Story

As the car industry boomed across Europe, so did Continental. They became a trusted supplier to German manufacturers such as Mercedes and Audi, and by the 1920s their horse logo — the proud Continental Horse still seen today — had become a symbol of top-quality German engineering.

Through the years, the company grew steadily, merging with other tyre and rubber firms to form Continental Gummi-Werke AG and expanding its reach into other parts of Europe. By the 1960s and 70s, Continental was a genuine world player, producing tyres for everything from family saloons to racing cars and heavy trucks.

The brand’s commitment to safety also took shape around this time. Continental developed early versions of what we now know as modern tyre testing and braking systems — technology that would later link into their work with ABS and traction control systems.

Continental today – safe, smart and sustainable

Fast-forward to the modern day, and Continental isn’t just a tyre company—it’s a major technology group working on tyres, braking, and automotive safety systems. They’re one of the few manufacturers that actually design tyres to work hand-in-hand with modern driver aids.

Their popular PremiumContact and EcoContact ranges are brilliant examples of this. They balance grip, comfort, and fuel efficiency — ideal for British roads, where you get rain, cold mornings, and the odd sunny spell all in the same day.

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we’ve fitted countless Continental tyres over the years, and they’re always a customer favourite. Drivers who do a lot of motorway miles—say between Halifax, Leeds, and Manchester—often choose Continental for the quiet ride and low fuel use. We also see plenty of SUV drivers picking the CrossContact range for stability on rural roads and those steep climbs we’ve got around Calderdale.

A tyre built for Yorkshire roads : Continental Tyres Story

Driving around Halifax and the Pennine hills puts any tyre to the test. With winding roads, cobbles, and a fair mix of weather, you need something that can grip, brake, and handle sudden rain showers without a fuss. Continental tyres really shine here.

Their all-season models perform superbly in our local conditions, especially for drivers who don’t want the hassle of changing to winter tyres each year. I’ve had plenty of customers tell me how confident they feel on the bends up to Mount Tabor or while heading through the twists of the Hebble Valley — that’s the sort of feedback you only get from a quality tyre.

Motorsport pedigree and innovation

Like Bridgestone and Michelin, Continental has always had one foot in motorsport. They’ve supplied tyres for touring car championships and endurance racing, where durability and precision matter most. That experience filters down into the everyday tyres we fit here in the garage.

In recent years, Continental has been a major player in the push towards sustainability too. They’ve experimented with natural rubber from dandelions, recycled materials, and eco-friendly production methods. It’s all part of their goal to make tyres that perform brilliantly without harming the planet — something more and more customers now ask about.

The Continental difference : Continental Tyres Story

What I like about Continental as a brand is their attention to safety and consistency. They’re not flashy or over-marketed — just solid, dependable engineering. Their tyres tend to wear evenly, perform predictably, and last well even under Yorkshire’s rougher road conditions.

We see everything come through the doors at Pellon Autocentre, but when a customer wants a tyre that’ll give them confidence in all weathers, Continental’s often my top recommendation. Whether it’s a small hatchback or a big SUV, they’ve got a model that’ll suit the job perfectly.

So next time you’re due a change of tyres, have a look at what Continental’s been up to. There’s a reason they’ve been around for over 150 years—they keep improving, adapting, and delivering the quality that drivers expect.

Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

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Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning
Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

From Kurume to the world: the founding and history of Bridgestone tyres

If you’ve ever owned a car in the UK, you’ll have seen Bridgestone on the forecourt or fitted at a local garage. It’s a brand with a proper story — starting in a small Japanese town and growing to one of the world’s biggest tyre makers.

Bridgestone’s story begins with Shojiro Ishibashi, a Japanese entrepreneur who set up a tyre division in Kurume, Fukuoka. The very first tyre bearing the Bridgestone name rolled out in 1930, and a year later, on 1 March 1931, the Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. was officially formed. The name Bridgestone is actually an English play on Ishibashi’s family name — literally “stone bridge”. Bridgestone Global +1

Early days weren’t easy. Bridgestone decided to rely on homegrown technology rather than copying European or American designs. That meant hard graft: improving manufacturing, learning quality control and slowly winning customers at home before pushing overseas. By the post-war years the company had moved into mass production and started exporting tyres and expertise beyond Japan. Bridgestone Global Website

Bridgestone’s global leap really accelerated in the late 20th century.

One of the biggest moves was the acquisition of Firestone in 1988–89—a deal that gave Bridgestone a major foothold in the US market and turned it into a truly international player. From there Bridgestone expanded R&D, built factories across the world and positioned itself as a major supplier in motorsport, too. Bridgestone Global +1

If you’re into racing (and a lot of us round here had a soft spot for it), Bridgestone invested heavily in motorsport from the 1960s and became a big name in Formula One between the late 1990s and 2010. They went head-to-head with rivals, developed cutting-edge race compounds and for a time supplied tyres for the pinnacle of single-seater racing. That motorsport DNA also helped with road tyre technology — what they learn at the track often finds its way onto the family car. ms.bridgestone.co.jp+1

Interesting local note for our customers in Halifax: Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

While Bridgestone is a global company, they don’t have tyre manufacturing plants in the UK—they handle UK operations through offices and technical centres—but you’ll still find their tyres widely available at independent garages and national dealers alike. If you’re shopping for a set of all-season or winter tyres, Bridgestone’s range is a sound choice and often seen on cars in town and country lanes alike. Wikipedia

Today Bridgestone is one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, with a presence in dozens of countries and a wide range of tyres for everything from family hatchbacks to commercial vans and motorsport. Their story is a proper example of how a local business — started in Kurume — grew into a global name by focusing on quality, innovation and persistence. Bridgestone Global +1

Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning
Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

Bridgestone Tyres Today – From Track to the Roads of Halifax

If you’ve read the story of how Bridgestone grew from a small Japanese company into one of the world’s biggest tyre manufacturers, you’ll know the brand’s built on solid engineering and sheer persistence. But it’s not all about the past — Bridgestone is still right at the front when it comes to tyre design, safety, and adapting to how we drive here in the UK.

Bridgestone and the British roads: Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

Driving around Halifax and the wider Calderdale area gives any tyre a proper workout. We’ve got steep hills, tight bends, and the sort of mixed weather that keeps garages like ours busy all year round. One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s a downpour on the A629!

Bridgestone tyres have a solid reputation for handling those unpredictable Yorkshire conditions. Their all-season range, especially the Bridgestone Weather Control A005, has been popular with local drivers who want one set of tyres that can cope with both rain and cold snaps. It’s a good choice for those who don’t want to swap to full winter tyres but still want peace of mind on icy mornings.

We’ve fitted plenty of A005s here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, and customers often comment on the quieter ride and confident braking. You really notice it on wet cobbled streets around town or when heading up the hills toward Mixenden or Ogden.

The push for fuel efficiency and greener driving

Modern tyres aren’t just about grip anymore—they’re about helping your car run cleaner and cheaper. Bridgestone has been one of the leaders in developing low rolling resistance tyres, which basically means they take less effort for your engine to turn. Less effort = less fuel used = lower emissions.

Their Turanza Eco and Ecopia ranges are perfect examples. They’re ideal for city driving and longer motorway runs — popular with our customers who commute from Halifax to Leeds or Manchester and want to save a few quid on fuel.

With so many hybrid and electric vehicles on the road now, Bridgestone’s also been quick to adapt. Their Turanza EV line is built specifically for electric cars — extra-strong sidewalls, quieter tread patterns, and tyres that can handle the heavier weight of batteries. We’ve already seen a few EV owners popping in asking about those, and it’s definitely a growing trend.

Even though they stepped back from Formula One a few years ago, Bridgestone hasn’t stopped racing. They still support major motorsport events like MotoGP and various endurance racing series. Why’s that important? Because the lessons they learn in racing — heat control, durability, braking performance — end up improving the road tyres we fit every day.

For example, some of the tread designs used on Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport tyres are directly influenced by their track work. Those tyres are brilliant for high-performance cars and sporty drivers — great grip, stable handling, and good feedback on winding roads. I remember one local customer with a BMW 3 Series switching to Potenzas and being amazed how much sharper his car felt on the corners up towards Queensbury.

Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning
Bridgestone Tyres the Beginning

Tyres that suit Yorkshire life

That’s what makes Bridgestone a proper all-rounder brand. They’ve got something for everyone — from motorway commuters to rural drivers heading up to the Dales. Here in Halifax, where we get all four seasons (sometimes in one day!), a well-balanced tyre like the Weather Control A005 makes a lot of sense. For vans and tradespeople, Bridgestone’s Duravis range is another top seller — tough enough to take heavy loads and daily stop-start driving without wearing out too quickly.

It’s easy to see why Bridgestone remains one of the most trusted names we recommend. They’ve never stopped developing, and that’s reflected in how well their tyres cope with British roads and weather.

Our view at Pellon Tyres

At Pellon Autocentre, we’ve been fitting Bridgestone tyres for decades, and they’ve always been a brand we can rely on. Whether it’s a family hatchback, a delivery van, or a sporty weekend car, Bridgestone offers something that fits both the vehicle and the driver’s needs.

If you’re in Halifax or nearby and thinking of new tyres, pop in for a chat—we’re always happy to talk about what’ll suit your car best. And if you fancy learning more about how tyres are changing, we’ve got displays showing some of the latest tread technology and eco-friendly designs right here in the depot.