Aeolus, one of China's largest tire makers, also ranks among the world's 75 biggest tire manufacturers. Established in 1965 and reorganized into a publicly listed company in 2003, the company has led tire development efforts in Henan province and received CNAB, QS-9000 and VDA 6.1 certifications.

Annual production capacity accommodates 2 million all-steel radial tires, 2 million bias tires and 300,000 off-road tires. Products follow DOT, ECE and CCC guidelines.

Thirty percent of the company's output is shipped overseas. All exports are shipped under in-house brands, but 33 percent of output is purchased by domestic automakers under OEM/ODM contracts and distributed through Aeolus' national network.

The ISO 9001-certified company is building a new factory in Jiaozou that will have the capacity to produce 4 million semi steel radial tires annually. In 2006, a radial off-road project for large engineering vehicles will be released. Aeolus also plans to enter the high-end sedan tire sector.

Products
Aeolus manufactures more than 400 models, including heavy-duty radial and bias types as well as models for light trucks, agricultural machinery and engineering equipment. All-steel radial tires represent the company's main product and after a 70 percent sales increase in 2005, received special R&D focus. The company also produces more than 20 off-road tire molds.

Heavy-duty radial tires sell from US$60 to more than US$200. Bias models range from US$5 for an agriculture tire to US$7,000 for an engineering tire.

The company's US$15-million R&D department employs 200 technicians and engineers to study material specifications, product structure and production technology, particularly for high-performance models.

All information contained in China Sourcing Reports is the result of exclusive, ground-level and definitive research conducted by Global Sources' analysts. Companies featured in these reports may or may not be clients of Global Sources.

	Supplier Profile
	Company Background
	Year established		1965
	Head office location		Jiaozuo (Henan)
	Business type		Manufacturer: Direct exporter
	Ownership		Publicly listed
	Factory location(s)		Jiaozuo (Henan)
	Total factory area		500,000sqm
	Full-time employees		4,000
	Total annual sales (all products)		US$440.0mn
	Annual R&D spending		US$15.00mn
	R&D % of sales		3.4%
	ISO certified		Yes
	Sales & output: Tires
	Annual sales		US$440.0mn
	Share of total sales		100%
	Annual export sales		US$160.0mn
	Total monthly capacity		350,000 pieces
	Average monthly output		330,000 pieces
	Capacity utilized		94%
	Average monthly exports		100,000 pieces
	Export ratio		30%