Dunlop Enters New Phase In Malaysia Under Toyotsu Binter, Showcases EV-Ready Tyres At Penang Autoshow 2026
Dunlop is entering a new phase in Malaysia under Toyotsu Binter Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TBM), with the brand outlining its renewed direction at the Penang Autoshow 2026 following its recent appointment as the exclusive distributor of Dunlop tyres in the country.
The showcase signals a broader effort to strengthen Dunlop’s position locally, supported by improved nationwide accessibility, closer engagement with dealer and retail partners, and the rollout of a refreshed product line-up aligned with both conventional vehicles and the growing electrified segment.
Building on a presence in Malaysia dating back to the 1960s, Dunlop’s latest direction combines its heritage with a more globally aligned strategy, leveraging Toyotsu Binter’s regional experience across ASEAN markets. The move is further reinforced through alignment with Toyota Tsusho Corporation and collaboration with Sumitomo Rubber Industries, positioning the brand to better support evolving mobility trends across Southeast Asia.
At the show, Dunlop highlighted the Blue Response TG, a passenger car tyre developed to deliver improved ride comfort, handling stability, and lower rolling resistance, alongside reduced cabin noise—characteristics increasingly relevant for electrified vehicles.
The brand’s broader EV-ready portfolio includes the Sport Maxx Lux, SP Sport Maxx 060+, Blue Response TG and the upcoming e.Sport Maxx, which features Silent Core Technology to enhance cabin quietness while maintaining strong wet and dry performance.
Marcus Lim, Managing Director of Toyotsu Binter Malaysia Sdn Bhd, said the transition reflects a renewed long-term commitment to the Malaysian market. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Dunlop in Malaysia. Our focus is on strengthening supply consistency, expanding dealer reach and ensuring Malaysian motorists benefit from Dunlop’s latest global tyre technologies, including products developed to support the shift towards electrified mobility.”
Currently, TBM works with more than 190 authorised wholesalers, trade partners and direct Dunlop dealers nationwide, primarily across Peninsular Malaysia. Further expansion is planned over the next two years to widen coverage, alongside the potential introduction of specialised Dunlop retail concepts as part of its long-term network strategy.
In parallel, TBM is strengthening Dunlop’s presence in both the replacement and original equipment (OEM) segments. The brand already supplies tyres for selected models from Toyota, Lexus, Isuzu, Mazda and Leapmotor, including the fully electric Toyota bZ4X, highlighting its growing role across both internal combustion and electrified platforms.
of Toyotsu Binter Malaysia Sdn Bhd (right).
Takehiko Asai, Managing Director of Sumitomo Rubber Industries ASEAN, said Dunlop’s OEM relationships continue to reflect strong confidence from global automakers. “Dunlop’s engineering capabilities continue to support its partnerships with global vehicle manufacturers, and our OEM relationships reflect the confidence automakers place in Dunlop’s performance and reliability. This provides a strong foundation as we continue introducing products designed to meet evolving mobility needs in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.”
With electric vehicles now accounting for approximately one in every 14 new registrations in Malaysia—and a national target of 15% electrified vehicle share by 2030—Dunlop is expanding the availability of tyres engineered to address EV-specific demands such as higher vehicle weight, instant torque delivery and reduced cabin noise.
CarTok Editor’s Note
Dunlop’s is quietly re-establishing in Malaysia. In an EV era where refinement and efficiency matter as much as outright grip, tyres are becoming a bigger part of the ownership experience than most buyers realise.
