Vredestein’s rich heritage
Vredestein is proud to be among the oldest tyre manufacturers in the world today with a history dating back more than 100 years.
Innovation is seeing ahead
Rubber has been in our blood since the beginning of the 20th century and, like innovation, is a building block of our DNA. This has made us what we are today: a leading European manufacturer of first-class tyres.
Over a century of premium performance: Vredestein’s rich heritage
Vredestein is proud to be among the oldest tyre manufacturers in the world today with a history dating back more than 100 years.
1908
Emile Louis Constant Schiff acquires the Guttapercha Company in Delft (the Netherlands).
1909
The company moves to Loosduinen and changes its name to N.V. Rubberfabriek Vredestein.
1910
Vredestein manufactures its first bicycle tyre.
1912
Vredestein manufactures its first passenger car tyre.
1934
Bicycle tyre factory established in Doetinchem.
1947
N.V. Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche car tyre factory Vredestein is established in Enschede together with B. F. Goodrich.
1952
Vredestein markets the Profilux, the first passenger car tyre to be designed in-house.
1955
Vredestein is one of the first manufacturers in Europe to produce tubeless tyres: the Profilux tubeless.
1962
Merger with N.V. Rubberfabrieken Havea Raalte.
1965
Introduction of the first Vredestein winter tyre for passenger cars, the M&S 187.
1966
Vredestein presents its own textile-belted radial tyre for passenger cars, the Sprint.
1972
The Sprint Steel, the first steel-belted radial tyre, is brought to the market.
1978
Vredestein introduces the first reflective bicycle tyre.
1979
Introduction of Space Master, a unique foldable spare tyre concept for passenger cars.
1979
Introduction of the Vredestein Snow+: this winter tyre for passenger cars quickly gains an excellent reputation and is the foundation of Vredestein’s position as a leading winter tyre brand.
1991
Introduction of Quatrac, Vredestein’s first all-season tyre for passenger cars.
1993
Introduction of the race tyre Vredestein Fortezza on which Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel immediately wins the world cycling championship.
1995
Introduction of the Snowtrac, the first winter tyre with high silica technology.
1996
Vredestein introduces the Wintrac, a winter tyre for passenger cars that is suitable for high speeds.
1997
Introduction of the Traxion/Traxion+, the first 65-70 series tractor tyres.
1997
Vredestein starts a partnership with Italian designer Giugiaro.
1999
Introduction of the Flotation Pro, the first radial implement tyre.
1999
Introduction of the Sportrac, the first tyre in the world designed by Italian automotive designer Giugiaro.
2001:
Vredestein presents the Sprint Classic, a tyre for classic cars.
2004
Olympic gold medal in road bicycle (time trial) for Leontien Zijlaard-van Moorsel on Fortezza Pro TriComp tyres.
2004
Introduction of the first Vredestein car tyre with speed index Y for speeds above 270 km/h.
2005
Introduction of the Wintrac xtreme, the first high-performance winter tyre with the speed index W. Vredestein is the first brand in the world to introduce this type of product.
2006
Vredestein presents a unique ultra-high performance tyre for passenger cars, the Ultrac Sessanta.
2006
Major successes in the Tour de France by Cadel Evans and Robbie McEwen using Vredestein Fortezza tyres.
2007
Jakob Fuglsang becomes world mountain biking champion on Vredestein Black Panther tyres.
2007
The Quatrac 3 is the first all-season tyre with RunFlat technology. Vredestein is the first brand in the world to introduce this type of product.
2009
Vredestein is acquired by global tyre manufacturer Apollo Tyres Ltd.
2012
Expansion of production capacity for agricultural tyres. The reason is the rapidly growing demand for Vredestein agricultural tyres from the OE and aftermarket.
2013
‘Air Master by Vredestein’ – Vredestein develops a unique expandable front spoiler for premium sports cars together with a renowned German car manufacturer. Vredestein is the first brand in the world to introduce this type of product.
2013
Introduction of the first harvester tyre with Vredestein F+ technology (IF), the Traxion Cereall.
2013
The Wintrac xtreme S with speed index Y for speeds up to 300 km/h is introduced.
2014
Introduction of the Quatrac 5, the first all-season tyre with the speed index Y. Vredestein is the first brand in the world to introduce this type of product.
2014
The Enschede plant is upgraded with a new tandem mixer.
2015
Vredestein introduces the Traxion Harvest, a new line of tyres for harvesters.
2015
Introduction of new agro-industrial tyres for telescopic loaders and agro-industrial applications, the Traxion Versa and Endurion.
2015
Vredestein Traxion+ and TraxionXXL are approved by German research institute DLG after extensive testing.
2015
‘Air Master by Vredestein’ receives international recognition in the form of a prestigious DKG Product Award during the International Rubber Conference.
2016
Opening of R&D Centre dedicated to OEMs in Frankfurt and tripling of the R&D investment.
2017
Opening of a new production plant in Hungary.
Unique position in tyres for classic cars
Modern technology and classic design are key features of the tyres Vredestein has developed for the growing vintage car market. Thanks to the Vredestein Classic programme, we occupy a unique position in this segment. Our tyre selector means the right tyre can be quickly found for any vintage car or modern classic.
Impressive portfolio
Having started out with bicycle tyres, our portfolio has expanded tremendously over the years with an impressive range of premium tyres for passenger cars as well as the agricultural and industrial sectors.
European
As a manufacturer of premium tyres at the heart of Europe, we are uniquely placed to understand exactly what the market requires. Innovation has always been a key concept for us as our international R&D Centre in Enschede develops and tests tyres which regularly win international tests.
Expansion
All the foundations have been laid for future growth. We have applied the very latest production techniques at our factory in Enschede, deployed closer partnerships with carmakers, opened a new office in Frankfurt and expanded our production capacity in Hungary. By operating from strategic positions close to our partners in Europe, we aim to anticipate the needs of the automotive market even better in the coming years.