Origins as a footwear company (1921–1990s)

The history of DOUBLE STAR began in 1921 in Qingdao, where the enterprise originally focused on shoe manufacturing rather than tires. For much of its early existence, the company was primarily associated with footwear and apparel before gradually transitioning into the rubber and tire sectors.

This shift occurred incrementally. DOUBLE STAR entered the tire industry in the 1990s, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become its primary industrial activity.

Acquisition of Huaqing Tire (2001)

A pivotal moment in the company’s transformation occurred in 2001 when DOUBLE STAR acquired Huaqing Tire. This acquisition provided the group with a more robust manufacturing foundation within the tire sector.

Acquisition of Dongfeng Tire (2005)

In 2005, the company expanded its tire manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio further through the acquisition of Dongfeng Tire.

Strategic shift to tires (2008)

A major milestone was reached in 2008 when DOUBLE STAR divested its traditional footwear and clothing businesses. This move redirected the group’s strategic focus entirely toward tire manufacturing, effectively transforming DOUBLE STAR from a diversified traditional manufacturer into a specialized industrial tire group.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, DOUBLE STAR expanded its presence across multiple tire categories. Its portfolio grew to include:

• PCR — Passenger Car Radial tires
• TBR — Truck and Bus Radial tires
• OTR — Off-the-Road tires
• Commercial-vehicle tires
• Light-truck tires
• SUV tires
• Specialty application tires

Historically, the company has maintained a strong position in the truck and bus tire segment, while passenger car tires have become an increasingly significant component of its international offerings.

A defining feature of the modern DOUBLE STAR operation is its commitment to intelligent manufacturing. In the mid-2010s, the company began developing an Industry 4.0 intelligent tire factory, which commenced production in 2016. This facility was designed around highly automated and digitally integrated manufacturing processes.

DOUBLE STAR characterizes this transformation as extending beyond simple robotics. Its broader manufacturing strategy integrates:

• Automated production
• Digital production management
• Intelligent equipment
• Data-driven quality control
• Research and development
• Industrial internet technologies
• Automation and robotics

Consequently, the company positions itself as a leading example of intelligent tire manufacturing in China.

One of the most significant international developments in recent years was the acquisition of a controlling stake in South Korea’s Kumho Tire.

In July 2018, DOUBLE STAR completed the acquisition of a 45% stake in Kumho Tire, becoming the controlling shareholder. The transaction was valued at approximately 646.3 billion Korean won / RMB 3.9 billion, depending on the reporting currency.

This acquisition was strategically vital as Kumho was already an established global tire manufacturer with extensive R&D and production facilities. At the time, DOUBLE STAR described the relationship as complementary:

• Kumho Tire would focus on mid- to high-end passenger car tires.
• DOUBLE STAR would concentrate on truck and bus tires, particularly in the mid- and lower-end segments.

Kumho was intended to retain its distinct brand identity and operate independently rather than being rebranded as DOUBLE STAR. Therefore, DOUBLE STAR and Kumho Tire remain separate brands, with Doublestar serving as the controlling shareholder of Kumho Tire.

The DOUBLE STAR tire business encompasses several major vehicle categories.

Passenger car tires

The company manufactures tires for standard passenger vehicles, including various summer and all-season options. Product families include:

• DH-series
• DS-series
• DLA-series
• DSU-series
• Crossleader products

Specific model availability varies by market.

SUV and crossover tires

DOUBLE STAR produces tires designed for SUVs and crossovers, featuring tread patterns tailored to diverse road conditions and usage requirements.

Truck and bus tires

Truck and bus tires represent one of DOUBLE STAR’s traditional areas of strength. The TBR range is engineered for:

• Long-haul trucks
• Regional transport
• Buses
• Commercial fleets
• Heavy-duty applications

Notable models include DSR128, DSR158, DSRS01, DLS918, and DLA966.

Specialty and off-road tires

The company also develops tires for industrial, agricultural, and off-road applications, though specific availability depends on the country.

DOUBLE STAR maintains its principal corporate base in Qingdao, Shandong Province. However, its manufacturing strategy extends beyond mainland China. For instance, the company operates a tire facility in Cambodia that produces both PCR and TBR tires.

This international production capacity means that a DOUBLE STAR tire is not necessarily manufactured in China; the origin often depends on the specific model and target market.

DOUBLE STAR has established an export business selling tires outside of China. Its overseas markets include:

• Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Europe
• The Middle East
• Africa
• Latin America
• Other international regions

The company maintains dedicated international sales operations and regional contacts to support these markets. Its presence in Southeast Asia is particularly notable, with participation in events such as Tyrexpo Asia Bangkok reflecting efforts to develop the Thai and wider ASEAN aftermarket.

DOUBLE STAR generally occupies a different market tier compared to premium Western, Japanese, or European tire brands. It is typically positioned based on a combination of competitive pricing, durability, broad application range, and advancing manufacturing technology.

The brand has historically been strong in the commercial tire sector, where fleet operators often prioritize factors such as load capacity, mileage, casing durability, puncture resistance, operating costs, and price per kilometer over brand prestige alone.

Increasingly, the company has sought to evolve beyond the perception of being solely a low-cost manufacturer by highlighting its intelligent factories, R&D capabilities, product testing, and adherence to international standards.

DOUBLE STAR’s manufacturing and testing protocols involve extensive evaluation of characteristics including:

• Rolling resistance
• High-speed uniformity
• Endurance
• Stiffness
• Noise
• Force and moment
• Overall durability

International products may carry certifications required by specific markets, though this depends on the individual tire and destination. It is important to note that “DOUBLE STAR” is a brand, not a single specification; a DH-series passenger tire and a DSR-series truck tire differ substantially in construction, compound, application, and performance.

The modern DOUBLE STAR organization extends beyond the tire brand itself. The group identifies its major business areas as:

1. Rubber tires
2. Artificial intelligence and high-end equipment
3. Green ecological recycling
4. Related digital and industrial services

Its transformation strategy emphasizes digitalization, advanced technology, sustainability, and intelligent manufacturing. The group’s publicly listed entity, Qingdao Doublestar Co., Ltd., trades on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under stock code 000599.

The Chinese name 双星 (Shuāngxīng) translates literally to “Double Star” or “Two Stars.” This name has been associated with the company since its early industrial history and was retained as the organization transitioned from footwear to tires and advanced manufacturing. Today, “Doublestar” is recognized internationally primarily as a Chinese tire brand, while in China, 双星 signifies a broader industrial heritage.

The corporate structure can be understood as follows:

Doublestar Group
↓
Doublestar / DOUBLE STAR tire business
↓
Kumho Tire — separate tire brand, controlled by Doublestar

Purchasing a DOUBLE STAR tire does not equate to purchasing a Kumho tire. Kumho remains a distinct brand and company despite Doublestar’s controlling ownership.

In terms of market positioning, DOUBLE STAR is best understood as a value-to-mid-market tire manufacturer rather than a direct equivalent to brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, or Continental. This distinction does not imply poor performance; tire quality is highly model-dependent.

When evaluating a specific DOUBLE STAR tire, relevant factors include:

• Exact model
• Tire size
• Load index
• Speed rating
• Production date
• Country of manufacture
• Applicable certifications (EU/US/etc.)
• Wet-grip performance
• Rolling resistance
• Intended vehicle and usage

A well-suited commercial DOUBLE STAR tire may offer a vastly different value proposition compared to an entry-level passenger car model.

DOUBLE STAR is a long-established Chinese industrial brand that evolved from footwear manufacturing into one of China’s notable tire producers. Its modern identity centers on tires, intelligent manufacturing, and industrial technology.

Key historical advantages include its long corporate history, substantial Chinese manufacturing base, expertise in commercial tires, and investment in automated manufacturing. Its international significance was markedly enhanced by the 2018 acquisition of a 45% controlling stake in Kumho Tire.

For consumers, DOUBLE STAR is best viewed as a Chinese value-oriented tire brand with a strong commercial and truck heritage, rather than merely a generic budget option. Nevertheless, the quality and performance of any specific tire should be evaluated based on its individual model and specifications rather than the brand name alone.