Dunlop

Dunlop's founder, John Boyd Dunlop, started the "first" pneumatic tire when he tried to provide his son with a smoother ride and better handling for his tricycle by wrapping its wheels in thin rubber sheets, glued them together and inflated them with a football pump in 1888 (in England). Dunlop patented his idea and developed his invention into a commericial venture, known as the Dunlop Pneumatic Tire Co. Ltd.

Dunlop expanded his business quickly by opening tire plant in Dublin, Ireland and Hanau(Germany). By 1895, tires were sold in France and Canada, and manufactured in Australia and the U.S., and keep expanding throughout different countries such as Birmingham(England), Kobe(Japan).

In 1999, dunlop was part of the joint venture of the Sumitomo and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The joint venture was formed with six companies.

(Unconfirmed information) Due to the dissolve alliance, Goodyear keeps the right for Dunlop brand in Europe, and Sumitomo has the brand in Japan.

It was stated in the Sumitomo Official website that, in 2017, the company has bought over the brand completely.

If you are interested in reading the full story of Dunlop, you may browse the Dunlop official website for the complete details.

Source: Dunlop Official Website