TYRES: Goodyear celebrates a century on Aussie roads

It may be an American tyre brand, but Goodyear boasts a long history in Australia too.

The brand is celebrating its centenary in Australia this year, priding itself as being an industry leader in tyre technology, innovation and safety on Australian roads.

Starting off as a small office at 231 Clarence Street in Sydney 100 years ago, Goodyear soon established its presence nation-wide.

Within 10 years of operation Goodyear tyres were so accepted by the Australian public that by 1927 the first Australian-made tyre was produced at the company's manufacturing plant in Granville, Sydney.

By 1930, Goodyear had significantly expanded its operations, adding depots in Newcastle, Goulburn, Tamworth and Lismore in New South Wales, while other states were served by depots in Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong in Victoria along with Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns in Queensland.

In 1932, Goodyear had manufactured its one millionth tyre in Australia, and then nearly two decades later, the company had increased its volume to 10 million tyres.

Goodyear pioneered the manufacture of bullet-seal fuel tanks and aircraft tyres during World War II, whilst also servicing the tyre needs of aircraft, service trucks, jeeps, motorcycles and service equipment.

At the turn of the century, Goodyear supported the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games by launching the iconic Goodyear blimp, which provided aerial network and television coverage for various events throughout the country.

Goodyear is proud to claim that they remain an industry leader in tyre innovation, which it transfers across the globe to all of the markets in which it operates, including Australia. Some of the innovations Goodyear has brought to Australia recently include the launch of the RunOnFlat technology in 2005, which has allowed motorists to continue driving after sustaining a puncture.

Others include the introduction of fuel saving technology to save customers money at the bowser, along with QuietTread technology to reduce road and tyre noise for luxury vehicles.

Goodyear's Australian managing director, Thierry Villard said: "A centenary is a remarkable achievement and testament to the strength of our business, team and customers."

"As industries and companies have come and gone over the decades, Goodyear Australia has achieved and sustained a reputation as an industry leader through continued innovation, adaptation to changing markets, as well as a continued commitment to understanding and delivering on what our customers value and need... Innovation and safety have been and always will remain, at the core of the Goodyear brand."

"I look forward to the continuation of Goodyear in Australia for the next 100 years, with the best yet to come!" he added.