Qingdao Doublestar Tires

A Century of Innovation and Expansion

Qingdao Doublestar Co., Ltd., a prominent name in the global tire industry, has a rich history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as a shoe manufacturer to its transformation into a leading tire producer and innovator in intelligent manufacturing, Doublestar’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. This article traces the evolution of Qingdao Doublestar Tires, highlighting key milestones, strategic acquisitions, and its rise as a global player.

Early Beginnings: From Footwear to Tires (1921–1990s)

Qingdao Doublestar was founded in 1921 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, initially as a rubber company focused on producing footwear. For much of its early history, the company operated as a state-owned enterprise, catering primarily to the domestic market with rubber-based products. The Double Star Group, as it was known, built a reputation for quality and reliability in China’s burgeoning industrial landscape.

It wasn’t until the late 20th century that Doublestar began to pivot toward tire manufacturing. The shift was driven by the growing demand for automotive tires in China, spurred by the country’s rapid economic development and increasing vehicle ownership. In 1996, Qingdao Doublestar Tire Industrial Co., Ltd. was formally established as a subsidiary of the Double Star Group, marking the company’s entry into the tire industry. The company initially produced tires under the Doublestar brand, alongside a secondary brand called Huaqing, targeting both domestic and export markets.

Growth and Expansion in the Tire Industry (1990s–2000s)

The late 1990s and early 2000s were a period of rapid growth for Doublestar as it capitalized on China’s booming automotive sector. By 2001, Doublestar acquired Huaqing Tire, consolidating its tire manufacturing capabilities. In 2005, the company further expanded its production capacity by acquiring Dongfeng Tire, a move that strengthened its position in the truck and bus tire (TBR) market. These acquisitions allowed Doublestar to diversify its product portfolio, which included radial tires, bias tires, light truck tires, agricultural tires, and industrial tires.

During this period, Doublestar focused on building strong original equipment (OE) relationships, particularly with Chinese manufacturers like the Shifeng Group, a leading producer of agricultural machinery and vehicles. By 2007, the company was recognized as one of China’s fastest-growing tire manufacturers, with its tire division generating a turnover of approximately 680 million euros. Doublestar’s tires were exported to over 70 countries, though Europe remained a secondary focus compared to markets in Asia and Africa.

In 2009, Doublestar demonstrated its innovative spirit by developing over 40 new tire products, including high-class tires, tubeless light truck tires, snow tires, and 20-level mine TBR tires designed for harsh mining conditions. These products, many of which were patented, helped Doublestar rank 23rd on the global top 75 tire manufacturers list published by Rubber and Plastic News.

Innovation and Diversification (2010s)

The 2010s marked a transformative decade for Doublestar, as it embraced innovation and expanded its global footprint. In 2011, the company made headlines by introducing a range of multi-colored tires, a bold move that challenged the industry’s reliance on carbon black for tire durability. While colored tires posed technical challenges, this initiative showcased Doublestar’s willingness to push boundaries.

A significant milestone came in 2016 when Doublestar established the world’s first full-process “Industry 4.0” smart factory for tire manufacturing in Qingdao. This state-of-the-art facility leveraged automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven processes to enhance efficiency and product quality. The smart factory earned Doublestar the title of “leader of Chinese tire intelligent manufacturing” and positioned it as a pioneer in the global tire industry.

Doublestar’s commitment to innovation extended beyond tire production. The company diversified into three new industries: smart equipment, smart industrial logistics (including robotics), and green tire recycling. Its green recycling initiatives focused on breaking down used tires to recover carbon black, oil, and steel, aligning with global sustainability trends. These efforts earned Doublestar multiple accolades from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, including honors for “Brand Cultivation,” “Technology Innovation,” “Quality Benchmark,” “Intelligent Manufacturing,” “Green Manufacturing,” and “Service Transformation.”

Strategic Acquisitions and Global Ambitions (2018–2020s)

One of Doublestar’s most significant moves came in 2018 when it acquired a 45% stake in South Korea’s Kumho Tire for $597.4 million USD. The acquisition, which followed a tumultuous negotiation process involving labor union opposition and financial disputes, made Doublestar the largest shareholder of Kumho Tire. The deal was celebrated with a ceremony in Seoul titled “Celebrating New Beginning,” attended by representatives from both companies and the Korea Development Bank.

The Kumho acquisition bolstered Doublestar’s global presence and gave it access to Kumho’s advanced R&D capabilities and established markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. By 2025, Doublestar deepened its control over Kumho through a strategic transaction valued at nearly RMB 4.93 billion, securing indirect control of Kumho’s 45% equity.

In 2019, Doublestar further expanded its domestic footprint by acquiring Shandong Hengyu Technology Group, a financially distressed tire manufacturer, for 899 million yuan. This acquisition, facilitated through Doublestar’s Jilin Jixing Tire Co. Ltd. subsidiary, aimed to optimize production capacity and strengthen Doublestar’s competitive edge in the Chinese market.

International Expansion and New Markets (2020s–Present)

In the 2020s, Doublestar accelerated its internationalization strategy, focusing on new manufacturing facilities and market penetration. In 2023, the company broke ground on a $210 million tire plant in Cambodia’s Snuol District, a joint venture with Cambodia’s U.B.E. Development Co. Ltd. The facility, set to produce 7 million passenger tires and 1.5 million TBR tires annually, is designed to serve the U.S. market, with over half of its output destined for North America. The plant, expected to be operational by late 2023, will produce Doublestar’s proprietary brands, private-label products, and electric vehicle (EV) tires tailored for the U.S. market.

In July 2025, Doublestar laid the foundation for the “Hadj Larbi Industry” tire factory in Oran, Algeria, in partnership with Sarl Hadj Larbi Pneumatique, Algeria’s largest tire distributor. This venture underscores Doublestar’s ambition to tap into the African market, leveraging Algeria’s strategic location and growing automotive sector.

Doublestar’s brand value has also soared, reaching 116.2 billion yuan in 2025, making it the top Chinese tire brand according to the World Brand Lab. The company’s participation in global events, such as the 2025 Latin Tyre Auto Parts Expo in Panama, further highlights its commitment to building international partnerships and showcasing high-value-added products.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite its successes, Doublestar has faced challenges. In 2017, a federal court in California ordered Doublestar and its affiliate, Doublestar Dong Feng Tyre Co. Ltd., to pay $1.6 million to Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. for selling tires that violated a 2014 court order barring products “confusingly similar” to Toyo’s. This legal setback highlighted the competitive and litigious nature of the global tire industry.

Additionally, the Kumho Tire acquisition faced significant resistance from Korean labor unions, who opposed the deal due to concerns over job security and foreign ownership. These hurdles, however, did not derail Doublestar’s long-term vision.

Looking Ahead: A Global Leader in Intelligent Manufacturing

Today, Qingdao Doublestar Tires stands as a symbol of China’s industrial prowess and innovation. As the only state-owned listed tire company in Shandong Province and the chairman of the tire branch of the China Rubber Industry Association, Doublestar is well-positioned to lead the industry into the future. With a production capacity of 6 million TBR tires and 20 million passenger tires annually, the company continues to expand its global reach while investing in smart manufacturing and sustainable practices.

Doublestar’s journey from a footwear manufacturer to a global tire powerhouse is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and embrace technological advancements. As it continues to build factories in strategic locations like Cambodia and Algeria, strengthen its control over Kumho Tire, and innovate in EV tires and green recycling, Doublestar is poised to cement its status as a world-famous brand in the tire industry.