HANGZHOU, China—Chinese tire manufacturer ZC Rubber posted a "historic performance" in 2020 and is aiming to strengthen its position through global expansion.
The tire maker generated sales of $4.3 billion in 2020, up 2.25 percent compared to the year before, ZC Rubber Group Chairman Shen Jinrong said during the group's first online dealer conference on March 19.
According to Shen, ZC Rubber aims to improve its position through technological innovation and further expansion.
"We have been pursuing the strategy of technological innovation and have realized the overall improvement in product quality, production efficiency and quality control since last year," Shen said at the event, themed "Innovate into the great future."
ZC Rubber aims to achieve full digitalization and would focus on smart manufacturing, "future factory" and sustainable development, Shen said.
The tire manufacturer is eyeing a new overseas plant in the U.S., Europe or the Middle East as part of its expansion plan, Shen said without giving further details.
Ge Guorong, ZC Rubber Group vice president, said the company had benefited in recent years from digital marketing and online-to-offline sales expansion.
"ZC Rubber's successful experience in the Chinese market is not only to be enjoyed in China but also shared globally," he said. "Our digital development will empower global distributors and retailers in coming years.
In terms of its growth plan in international markets, Ge Guorong said demand was "pretty strong" in several segments, and that ZC Rubber aimed to export 15 percent of its products in 2021.
ZC Rubber also intends this year to globally launch its new top-tier passenger car tire line, the flagship series for Westlake, Goodride, Trazano, and Chaoyang.
The series made its debut in China last year and features core technologies such as noise reduction and high grip fuel efficiency.
