Al Dubowi Tyres Group was recently awarded a two-year contract to supply Korean Hankook tyres to the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), a part of the UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Under the terms of the contract, which is valued at $2.2 million (AED8.3 million) in the first year, Al Dubowi will supply the DTC with Hankook tyres produced in South Korea, which are compatible with GCC specifications and standards, said Ahmed Khalwan Al Suaidi, chief executive officer of DTC.

“The contract provides for the fitting & balancing of tyres, in addition to carrying out wheel alignment free of charge in case two tyres or more are changed in the vehicle,” Al Suaidi explained. “The contract also provides for Al Dobowi to repair tyre punctures in DTC taxicabs free of charge, and appointing agents to provide this complimentary service at their facilities.

“The DTC brand logo will be embossed on the sidewall of the tyre, and Al Dobowi will embark on this procedure at its facilities within the DTC premises at Muhaisnah 4, where 30 to 40 tyres will be changed per day,” he continued, adding that Al Dubowi will re-buy all used and replaced tyres of all sizes in DTC taxis.

Hankook tyres supplied to the DTC by Al Dubowi will be covered by a warranty against manufacturing defects, said Surender Singh Kandhari, founder and chairman of Al Dubowi Group. “We will provide and install the required service equipment along with the safety certificates twice during the initial period of the contract.

“We will provide all relevant equipment needed for changing and the balancing of tyres at DTC’s workshop and have them operated by expert and skilled technicians,” Kandhari continued. “Al Dubowi will also supply nitrogen gas free of charge to all new tyres mounted at the (DTC) Center, in addition to providing a mobile service in emergency or extreme cases.”

DTC and Al Dubowi Group have previously worked together on the Salamtak initiative, which was undertaken in March 2010 with the aim of promoting awareness about the importance of tyres and their maintenance amongst taxi drivers in the city.