Leading the way in safety and quality for Oman’s vehicles

Dunlop tyres are well-known for their Japanese quality, world-class safety and service, delivering better performance. Hamdan Trading Group, the sole distributor for Dunlop tyres in Oman, has played a significant role in establishing the Dunlop brand as a popular choice among customers in the sultanate. Dunlop recently won Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Award 2023 in the Tyres Category for the third consecutive year.

In an interview with Muscat Daily, Alwyn Martin, General Manager of Hamdan Trading Group-dunlop Division, discusses the success and strengths of the Dunlop brand in Oman’s competitive tyre market. He also elaborates on Dunlop’s and Hamdan Trading Group’s commitment to quality and safety, as well as their strategies to meet the diverse needs of Omani consumers.

Dunlop has won Oman's Most Trusted Brand Award for the third consecutive year. What key factors have contributed to Dunlop's success in Oman's tyre market?

Dunlop's success in Oman's tyre market can be attributed to several key factors such as the high quality and reliability of products, a widespread distribution network, and effective marketing and communication strategies. Dunlop has been consistently delivering high-quality tyres that specifically cater to the needs of Omani consumers, especially in terms of durability and performance.

In terms of reliability, establishing a strong brand reputation in Oman since 1981 has led to increased trust and loyalty among consumers. Hamdan Trading Group has a widespread and efficient distribution network all across Oman, ensuring easy availability of Dunlop tyres to consumers. Additionally, effective marketing and communication strategies also contribute to the success of Dunlop brand in the sultanate.

How do Dunlop and Hamdan Trading Group maintain customer satisfaction and trust to ensure they remain the most trusted brand in the Omani market?

At Dunlop and Hamdan Trading Group, we prioritise several key strategies to maintain customer satisfaction and trust. First, we place a strong emphasis on quality assurance, ensuring that our tyres consistently meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and performance. Second, we are dedicated to providing excellent customer service to address any inquiries, concerns, or feedback from our customers promptly and efficiently. We are also committed to continuous improvement and actively seek feedback from our customers to identify areas where we can enhance our products and services.

What really makes Dunlop stand out in Oman's competitive tyre market? How does Dunlop's commitment to Japanese quality and world-class safety contribute to its success?

Dunlop stands out in Oman's competitive tyre market, perhaps most notably due to its unwavering commitment to Japanese quality and world-class safety standards. Dunlop's dedication to Japanese quality is a key differentiator. Japanese manufacturing is renowned for its precision and attention to detail, implementing a wide range of tools and techniques such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.

This commitment to quality translates into tyres that are not only reliable and durable but also perform exceptionally well in a variety of driving conditions, like wet, dry, and off-road. Additionally, safety is a top priority for consumers, and Dunlop recognises this by prioritising safety features in its tyre designs.

Can you tell about Dunlop's wide range of tyres that cater to the diverse needs of vehicle owners in Oman?

The latest flagship models of Dunlop tyres currently in the Omani market include the SP Sport Maxx 060+, which features the incorporation of a new compound with enhanced silica dispersibility, providing improved fuel efficiency and significantly longer tyre life. The Grandtrek PT5 is the flagship tyre for SUVS, specifically designed to provide outstanding performance in terms of comfort and stability, which is often sought after by consumers in this market.

How does Hamdan Trading Group's distribution network ensure that Dunlop tyres are readily available and accessible to customers across Oman, including remote areas and regions with difficult terrain?

Hamdan Trading Group leverages strong and strategically located warehouses, logistics partners, and operating branches in regions such as Haima, Ibri, and Ibra to ensure that Dunlop tyres are readily available and accessible to customers all across Oman, including remote areas. This network allows for efficient transportation and timely replenishment of stock to meet customer demands effectively.

How many Dunlop showrooms and branches are there in Oman? What are the expansion plans for the near future?

Currently, there are eight branches in operation all across Oman, with the head-office located in Ghala, Muscat. We are planning to open seven more branches in the near future.

How does Hamdan Trading Group work with Dunlop to ensure that their tyres meet the unique needs of Oman's road conditions and climate?

Hamdan Trading works closely with Dunlop to ensure that their tyres are specifically tailored to meet the unique road conditions and climate present in Oman. This partnership involves research and development to understand the challenges presented by Oman's terrain, temperature variations, and road surfaces, along with a long-standing relationship between the two groups. Regular tire feedback and data collected while monitoring the tires further assist in the continuous improvement of Dunlop's tyres, ensuring they consistently meet the demands of Oman's roads and climate.

How does Dunlop ensure that its tyres are affordable and environmentally friendly for vehicle owners in Oman?

Hamdan Trading Group and Dunlop prioritise affordability and environmental sustainability through advanced manufacturing processes to optimise production costs without compromising quality. Through continuous research and development, Dunlop also designs tyres that are fuel-efficient and durable, reducing the overall cost for vehicle owners along with the carbon footprint produced. Additionally, Dunlop is also working on utilising ecofriendly materials in the production process to minimise the overall environmental impact.

What future plans does Hamdan Trading Group have to further strengthen its partnership with Dunlop and enhance the brand's presence in Oman?

Hamdan Trading Group is committed to strengthening its partnership with Dunlop through several future initiatives such as marketing and promotional activities to promote awareness of Dunlop's product offerings, expansion of the dealer network across Oman, and collaboration on market research to identify emerging trends and customer preferences.

Dunlop stands out in Oman’s competitive tyre market, perhaps most notably due to its unwavering commitment to Japanese quality and world-class safety standards ALWYN MARTIN GENERAL MANAGER, HAMDAN TRADING GROUP-DUNLOP DIVISION