Xinghongyuan Tires, officially known as Shandong Xinghongyuan Tire Co., Ltd. (SXT), is a prominent player in China's tire manufacturing industry, specializing in high-performance passenger car tires. As a subsidiary of the larger Xingyuan Tires Group, SXT represents the group's strategic expansion into the passenger vehicle and light truck (PVLT) tire segment. Founded in the early 2010s, the company has quickly grown to become a key exporter, navigating international trade challenges while emphasizing innovation, quality, and environmental sustainability. This article traces the history of Xinghongyuan Tires, highlighting its roots in the Xingyuan Group, key milestones, and its role in the global tire market.
Roots in the Xingyuan Tires Group (1994–2012)
The story of Xinghongyuan Tires is inextricably linked to its parent company, the Xingyuan Tires Group, which laid the foundation for SXT's success. Established in 1994 in Guangrao County, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China, the Xingyuan Group began as a diversified manufacturing enterprise focused primarily on rubber tires. Located in a region known for its economic vitality and industrial growth, the group quickly expanded its operations to include tire production alongside new building materials and product development.
From its inception, Xingyuan prioritized technological advancement and market-oriented strategies. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the group had developed a robust portfolio of all-steel radial truck tires, achieving an annual production capacity of 5.8 million sets. It introduced several leading brands, including HILO (recognized as a "China Famous Brand"), ANNAITE, AMBERSTONE, GUANGDA, QIANGWEI, and XINGYUAN. These products spanned 18 series, over 80 specifications, and more than 130 varieties, catering to diverse environments and customer needs.
Key to the group's early success was its commitment to quality certifications, including ISO/TS16949, ISO9001, ISO14001, CCC (China Compulsory Certification), U.S. DOT, European ECE, Brazil INMETRO, Indian BIS, and Kenyan ITS. By the mid-2000s, Xingyuan had built a nationwide sales network with over 100 outlets across more than 30 provinces and autonomous regions in China. Internationally, its products reached over 80 countries, including the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Hong Kong, and Macao.
The group amassed numerous accolades during this period, such as being named a "Top-50 Enterprise of Comprehensive Strength in the Tire Industry in Shandong," "China’s High-Integrity Enterprise," and a "High-Tech Enterprise." It ranked sixth in sales among Shandong's tire peers in 2009 and entered the world's top-75 tire manufacturers. With over 5,000 employees, including 680 engineering and technical personnel, and total assets exceeding 5.8 billion yuan, Xingyuan positioned itself as a leader in heavy-duty tires.
During China's "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" (2011–2015), the group set ambitious goals: achieving an output value of 18 billion yuan, with 70% from domestic markets and 30% from exports, while aiming to rank among China's top five tire enterprises and the global top five for off-the-road (OTR) tires. This era of growth set the stage for diversification into passenger tires.
Establishment and Early Development of Shandong Xinghongyuan Tire Co., Ltd. (2013–2015)
In response to growing demand for passenger vehicle tires, the Xingyuan Group established Shandong Xinghongyuan Tire Co., Ltd. in 2013 as a subsidiary to focus on semi-steel radial tires for cars and light trucks. Located in Mengyin County, Shandong Province—historically known as the hometown of Saint Liu Hong—SXT was incorporated with a registered capital of 490 million yuan. The project, an annual production facility for 12 million sets of large-rim, high-performance car tires, broke ground in November 2013 with a total investment of 2.6 billion yuan and spanned 536 acres.
SXT's affiliation with Xingyuan was evident from the start, sharing brands like HILO and ANNAITE, as well as familial leadership ties. Song Wenbo served as SXT's Director, while his brother, Song Wenyuan, was General Manager of the Xingyuan Group. This connection allowed SXT to leverage the group's established infrastructure, including shared logos, contact information, and export channels. Qingdao Firstreach International, an export arm of both entities, further facilitated global sales.
The company adopted cutting-edge technology, including MIRS (Modular Integrated Robotized System) for automated production, boosting efficiency by 30% and reducing costs by 25% while minimizing space usage. Equipment from global leaders like Japan's Shengang and Nakata, Italy's Comerio, America's RJS, Germany's Fischer, and the Netherlands' VMI ensured high standards. SXT emphasized eco-friendly practices, investing 180 million yuan in wastewater and exhaust treatment to achieve "zero" emissions for wastewater and "net" emissions for industrial gases.
By 2015, SXT had ramped up production, offering 13 major series, 26 patterns, over 600 specifications, and more than 2,600 varieties of tires. Its brands—HILO, ANNAITE, ANCHEE, and PREMME—focused on high-speed performance, safety, comfort, fuel efficiency, wear resistance, durability, and low noise. Certifications mirrored the group's, including ISO/TS16949, ISO9001, OHSAS18001, and international standards like U.S. DOT and European ECE. Recognized as a national high-tech enterprise and a leading science and technology firm in Shandong, SXT quickly positioned itself for international expansion.
International Expansion and Trade Challenges (2016–2020)
SXT's entry into global markets marked a pivotal phase. In February 2016, the company requested a new shipper review (NSR) from the U.S. Department of Commerce for antidumping duties on PVLT tires from China, covering the period August 1, 2015, to January 31, 2016. SXT certified itself as the sole producer and exporter of its tires, with no prior U.S. exports during the investigation period (October 2013–March 2014) and no central government control. The review was initiated in May 2016, but in January 2017, it was preliminarily rescinded due to evidence of affiliation with Xingyuan Group, which had participated in the original antidumping investigation and made U.S. entries during the POI.
Despite this setback, SXT continued exporting to markets like Paraguay, Colombia, and beyond, as evidenced by trade records. The company's products gained traction for their quality, contributing to the group's ranking as the seventh-largest tire manufacturer in China by the late 2010s.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook (2021–Present)
In the 2020s, SXT faced ongoing trade scrutiny, including South Africa's 2023 imposition of antidumping duties on Chinese tires (excluding those from SXT and Xingyuan). Amid rising domestic demand, the company raised prices by 3%–5% in March 2024, aligning with industry trends.
As of 2025, SXT continues to thrive, with annual exports and a focus on innovation. The company's history reflects China's tire industry's evolution: from truck-focused origins in 1994 to diversified passenger tire production in 2013, all while navigating global trade dynamics. With a commitment to sustainability and technology, Xinghongyuan Tires is poised for continued growth, solidifying its place in the international market.