Beijing (May 15, 2012) — Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Ltd. was China’s biggest tire maker in 2011 with sales of $3.52 billion, according to figures published by China Rubber Industry Association.

Hangzhou Zhongce’s sales, which were up 29.2 percent over 2010, edged out GITI Tire Co. Ltd. ($2.89 billion) and Triangle Group Co. Ltd. ($2.52 billion) for the top honors, according to the CRIA data.

HZCR goes to market primarily under the Chao Yang, Goodride, Westlake and Yartu brand names. In the U.S., Omni United USA Inc. handles the Goodride brand and Milestone Tire & Rubber Co. the Westlake brand.

Sales of $3.52 billion should put HZRC somewhere from No. 10 to No. 12 in the global rankings, depending on the final 2011 fiscal numbers for Taiwan’s Maxxis International and South Korea’s Kumho Tire Co. Inc.

Maxxis’ $1.86 billion in sales in China put it fourth on the CRIA’s table. The next largest makers are: Shandong Linglong Rubber Co. Ltd. ($1.7 billion); Aeolus Tyre Co. Ltd. ($1.58 billion); Double Coin Holdings Ltd. ($1.56 billion); Xingyuan Tyre Co. Ltd. ($1.35 billion); Qingdao Doublestar Industrial Co. Ltd. ($1.31 billion); and Guizhou Tyre Co. Ltd. ($1.15 billion).