Our Company

Our History

Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres is a company based on firsts — and we’ve worked hard to make history time and again throughout our 100 years.  Get a glimpse of the historic highlights of Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres.

1839
The Charles Goodyear Story

Charles Goodyear accidentally discovers that the addition of heat and sulphur alters the consistency of rubber; a process eventually known as ‘vulcanisation’.

1898
Goodyear’s Beginnings

Frank Seiberling borrows $3,500 from his brother-in-law for the down payment on an abandoned strawboard factory on the banks of the Little Cuyahoga River in Akron, Ohio. He choose the name ‘Goodyear’ in honour of Charles Goodyear and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is born.

1903
First Tubeless Tyre

Paul Litchfield is granted patent on first tubeless automobile tyre.

1915
Goodyear Expands to Australia

Goodyear establishes in Melbourne and soon after has distribution arrangements in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.

1916
World’s Largest Tyre Company

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company becomes the world’s largest tyre company.

1917
Goodyear Expands to New Zealand and Launches Wingfoot Express

Goodyear establishes operations in New Zealand and launches Wingfoot express truck line.

1929
First Australian Goodyear Tyre

The first Australian-made Goodyear tyre leaves the production line.

1954
Goodyear in Australian Aviation

Goodyear starts its long and impeccable record within Australian aviation.

1971
Goodyear Tyres Go Out of Space

Goodyear tyres make tracks on the moon’s surface.

1973
Beaurepaires Opens 170 Branches

Beaurepaires grows into an Australian-wide network of 170 branches, offering a complete tyre retreading, repairing and retailing service and additional facilities such as front end alignment, suspension and brakes.

1980-1986
Beaurepaires and Dunlop Merge

Beaurepaires and Olympic Tyre & Rubber Co. join together with the Dunlop Group to form Dunlop & Olympic Tyres, then naming themselves Pacific Dunlop Ltd.

1985
Goodyear Supplies Commercial Tyres

Goodyear supplies the first radial tyres for commercial aircrafts.

1987
Creation of Australia’s Largest Tyre Marketer

Pacific Dunlop transfer all of its tyre manufacture and sales operations to a new joint venture with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company generating a new name, South Pacific Tyres Ltd.

1998
Centennial Celebration

Goodyear celebrates its first 100 years of business.

1999-2000
Integration of Leading Brands

Pacific Dunlop fully integrates into the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Company, creating the ideal combination of racing heritage and worldwide technological resources.

2009
Creation of Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres

South Pacific Tyres changes its name to Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres.

2015
Australian Centenary

Goodyear celebrates being in Australia for 100 years.
Goodyear History
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Dunlop History
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Beaurepaires History
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