Exploring Vitour’s Legacy and Future
My first day in Qingdao was a deep dive into the operations, history, and future aspirations of Vitour Tires. The morning began with a visit to Vitour’s office, where in-depth discussions shed light on the company’s origins, current strategies, and ambitious vision. Later, I explored Lion Mall, a hotspot for China’s booming electric vehicle market, showcasing cutting-edge EV technology. A traditional Chinese lunch followed before we resumed our discussions in the afternoon.
The evening brought a special experience at a Vitour-owned penthouse—a unique venue serving as a restaurant, apartment, and event space. Here, I met Bruce, a key Vitour executive partner who oversees development and production. Our conversation delved into the journey behind Vitour’s semi-slick tire program, offering valuable insights into the efforts that have propelled the brand’s success. By the end of the night, I felt inspired and optimistic about Vitour’s future and grateful for the new connections made.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Evolution of Vitour’s Semi-Slick Tires
Vitour’s story of innovation began with the Enzo, developed about a decade ago for the drifting and tuner markets. Still in production today, the Enzo offers two compound options: the V-01R, designed for professional competition, and the V-02R, aimed at grassroots drifting and practice.
Five years ago, Vitour introduced the Wraith, addressing demands for improved grip in time attack and autocross applications. With its asymmetric and edgy tread design, the Wraith marked a significant evolution from the Enzo. After more than 40 compound revisions, the Wraith laid the groundwork for Vitour’s most ambitious tire to date—the P1.
The Vitour P1, built on the foundation of the Wraith, represents a refined approach aimed at global markets. Internally tested at 240-260TW, the P1 is labeled as 200TW for the U.S. market. A harder, more durable variant—the P-02R compound—is exclusively available in China, tailored for endurance and street use.
The P1+ and the Road Ahead
The next generation of P1 tires, dubbed the P1+, introduces new sizes alongside subtle aesthetic adjustments to the horizontal grooves—changes only noticeable upon close examination. These tweaks help distinguish Vitour’s design from competitors without altering performance. The “+” designation allows for the introduction of new sizes without costly re-certifications under ECE regulations, with plans to phase out the “+” in the future.
Looking further ahead, Vitour has exciting plans, including the development of the Sonic, aimed at competing with ultra-high-performance tires like the Supercar 3R and Cup 2R, and the Zonda, a slick tire. However, the timeline for these innovations will depend on the continued success of the P1.
Vitour’s Vertically Integrated Manufacturing Excellence
Vitour operates as a vertically integrated manufacturer, not a private label. The company owns a significant stake in the Dongying Fangxing Rubber factory, where the P1 is exclusively produced on a premium passenger tire manufacturing line. This factory employs approximately 2,000 workers and also manufactures high-quality truck and bus tires under Vitour and its Lexxis brand.
In addition to the factory, Vitour owns a nearby warehouse staffed by 40 employees and holds a stake in another plant producing budget tires for export to regions like Saudi Arabia. With dedicated office floors for sales and engineering in Qingdao, Vitour prioritizes innovation and quality.
The company’s primary brands include:
- Lexxis, focusing on premium truck and bus tires.
- Unistar, serving the Russian market.
Building a Global Reputation
By maintaining direct control over production, Vitour ensures the quality and consistency of its products, enabling it to compete with industry leaders on merit rather than imitation. My visit reaffirmed Vitour’s commitment to building a global reputation for high-performance tires and advancing motorsports through the P1 and future innovations.
With its roots in innovation and a vision for the future, Vitour is poised to leave a lasting mark on the global tire industry.
