Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3's XL

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3's XL

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wun911

3 posts

202 months

Monday 16th July 2007
quotequote all
I have sent several e mails regarding my concerns about the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 to: goodyearmarketing@goodyear.com. They have NOT replied ANY of my e mails at all!

All I can do now is go on every forum and on every review site and warn as many people as possible about how Goodyear's "most highly aclaimed preformance tyre" is a dud if its made in Thailand...



Redlake27

2,255 posts

245 months

Monday 16th July 2007
quotequote all
Hi, it is James from Goodyear again.

Just to clarify the various topics in this thread.......

1) Thai made Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 tyres are not E-marked and should not be sold in the UK. If anyone in the UK has purchased or been offered these tyres they should contact me directly at jbailey@goodyear.com. These tyres are illegal in the UK, and have not been imported with our knowledge or consent. Therefore it is important we work with trading standards to protect our customers and our own reputation.

2) Chinese and German F1 GSD3 tyres are made to a European specification and are E-Marked.

3) The Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 is being superseded by the improved Eagle F1 Asymmetric in the following sizes. http://eu.goodyear.com/uk_en/tires/repository/Eagl...

Goodyear UK will cease to sell GSD3 in these sizes, unless there is a requirement to supply sizes that were original equipment fitments for an extended period. GSD3 will continue to be supplied in 15" to 17" sizes

4) There are some comments earlier in this thread about changes in specification. This is normal for any tyre manufacturer to satisfy market demand, particularly from car manufacturers. For example, the GSD3 is now original equipment on cars as diverse as the Fiat Panda 100HP, Suzuki Swift Sport and Jaguar S-Type. The tyres will be tuned to meet the homologation needs of these manufacturers. This often results in a multitude of specifications (not just for Goodyear, but for any tyre manufacturer).

5) Regarding the earlier comment from a poster that we shouldn't be selling different spec tyres around the world, it is important we have the right tyres for each market. It is the same situation with cars. You may buy a FordFocus in the USA, Europe or the Far East, but they will not be the same specification.

In summary, if you have Eagle F1 Asymmetrics or E-marked F1 GS-D3s, you have the right product.

If you have Thai-made F1's and live in the UK, we would like to assist you in getting the right tyres. Please contact me on 0121 306 6328 or at jbailey@goodyear.com. I hope you can appreciate that I cannot discuss individual questions on the forum, but I'm happy to answer questions if you contact me directly.


pandamedic

1 posts

202 months

Monday 23rd July 2007
quotequote all
bus_ter said:
Further Update:



I've also emailed Blackcircles, and they have been much more helpful. They don't have my size in stock at the moment, but they seem to be aware of the issue with foreign tyres (even mentioning USA tyres that mytyres are supplying) and source all their tyres from Goodyear/Dunlop UK. They even say they'll check the tyres before sending them out. So top marks to Blackcircles.


To Blackcircles:

Hi,

I have been advised from Goodyear that some of the popular online tyre suppliers (no names given) have been supplying 'grey market' versions of tyres that are not designed for UK use. In some cases even supplying non E marked tyres that are actually illegal for use in the UK.

I'm specifically interested in buying a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tyres. Can you advise if your tyres are the correct European sourced versions? And what country they originate from?

Regards,
Me



Thank you for the email. All of our stock is UK approved, and carries the European E mark for use in the UK. Our stock is sourced from Goodyear/Dunlop UK. I believe you are correct - anything not carrying the E stamp is not suitable for use in the UK, and tyres made by Goodyear for other markets (such as the USA) have a different compound and do not work well on European roads.

Tyres can be manufactured anywhere I the world, as long as they are made to the correct specification and carry the E stamp.

Please let me know if you need any help.



( I told them what sizes I needed)


Dear Sir
Thanks for the swift reply
Yes unfortunately the Goodyear GSD3 tyres are out of stock at the moment and as my suppliers are closed I cannot get any dates, but we do have plenty of the Goodyear GSD2 available for purchase.
We can also find out were the tyres originally were manufactured
Please do not hesitate to let me know directly if there is any thing else that you need
Best regards,
Marc


Hi Marc,
Can you let me know if these tyres are now in stock or when you expect to get stock?
Ideally I am looking for the German produced versions of these tyres as Goodyear UK have advised me that only the German Eagle GSD-3's are official UK stock for my sizes.


Dear Sir
Thanks for the reply
Yes this information does seem to be true and we at blackcircles would say it would be best to get the ones from Germany,
I will let you know if I get any date for these tyres and we can physically check were they where made
Best regards

We've got goodyear eagle F1 GSD3 on our responce cars at work (ambulance). 225/45ZR17s and all the ones on our cars i've just checked are made in china. All have the E markings and numbers. Haven't noticed any prolems with the china ones and when i'm at work i drive very quiclky and give the tyres and car a good thrashing to the limit as you could say, and never had a problem with them at all.

wun911

3 posts

202 months

Friday 3rd August 2007
quotequote all
Hi James, thanks for contacting me about my concerns with the Goodyear
Eagle F1 DS-G3 size 205/45R16.

I’m not from the UK so legally I have no case and I’m stuck with the
tyres made in Thailand. Although the Thai made tyres may be "optimum"
in the tropics. Melbourne at the moment is only 10º C I can hardly call
this tropical climate.
http://www.google.com.au/search?
hl=en&cr=countryAU&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=melbourne+wea
ther+forecast&spell=1

Question 1: Has Goodyear made a mistake by presuming Melbourne as a
tropical climate?

My concern is that Goodyear has done a “bait and switch” on me. Because
I had read many reviews on the Goodyear eagle F1 GS-D3 and purchased my
tyres based on these great reviews. I hate the idea that the reviews
used the better German made tyres and thus wrote a terrific review,
while Goodyear decided to do a "bait and switch" and make inferior
tyres in Thailand for us normal consumers.

Question 2: I understand that you change the specs on your tyres now
and then, but why can’t you inform the consumer about the changes? Is
it because you don’t want the consumer to know you have changed to
lower quality materials? Can you understand from my point of view it
seems like Goodyear is just misleading the consumer?

My next concern is that the Thai made tyre is so bad it can’t legally
be sold and fitted on cars in the UK!

Question 3: If all Goodyear tyres were made to the same “high specs and
standards” why did the Thai made tyre not get a special e-mark? Was it
just forgetfulness or are the Thai workers really illiterate?

Question 4: If the tyres are made to the same high specs in Thailand
why are consumers complaining the Thai made tyre feels and handles
poorly compared to the German made Eagle F1 GS-D3 tyre?
http://www.mx-5.com/Community/forums/ShowThread.as...

Question 5: Are the Thai made tyres being sold in Australia because we
don’t have the same strict and stringent laws and standards as the
consumers in the UK. Is Goodyear just ripping us Australians off
because legally you can?

Question 6: If the lower cost of a Thai made tyre reflects only the
exchange rate, and has NOTHING to do what its quality or the cost of
materials that has gone into the tyre, may I have my Thai made tyres
exchanged for the German made tyre at no extra cost?

Thanks for your time






Redlake27

2,255 posts

245 months

Sunday 5th August 2007
quotequote all
Dear Wun911

As the representative of the UK distributor of Goodyear tyres I can only comment on the UK market, where the Thai made non E marked F1 tyre is illegal, and we are taking steps towards legal action against those dealers importing this Thai made tyre.

Your tyre dealer will be best placed to tell you if your tyre complies with Australian tyre regulations, or you could contact South Pacific Tyres, the authorised importer of Goodyear tyres into Australia.

I'm sorry not to be able to give any more information, but I hope your local dealer with more knowledge of the local tyre regulations and market will be able to assist you.


Mojocvh

16,837 posts

263 months

Sunday 5th August 2007
quotequote all
Silver Lightning said:
I've just taken delivery of some F1 GSD3's from Mytyres, and this thread had me worried.

Maybe they are overkill for my repmobile but are we concluding that the tyres made in China are inferior to the German ones? mine have e markings but say made in China and also mention polyester.

They are 205/55/16's so quite small in comparison to what most people here would have but should i worry that the car is going to handle even worse than it does now? also yes i know its a Vectra and a certain Mr Clarkson hates they way they handle...

Was going to bung them on at lunchtime, puzzled...
If they are E marked they are made to the same general specification. Car manufacturers can ask goodyear how to tweek the tyres (press, rim size etc) but basically the gsd3's are EXCELLENT in the task of wet/dry grip/progression/steering/braking. OK yes they wear quicker than some but that means that they are working for you, keeping you informed via steering feel, and in my case being positively commented on by plod soapbox If I could get them sized for the Mo (185/14/60) they'd be on that as well!

rgds

MoJo.

page3

4,921 posts

252 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
Holy thread resurrection!

I took delivery of 4 F1's on Friday, which are marked as follows:

205 50 R16. Made in Thailand. E13. 0210347

Are these Ok ones or not? There seems so much conflicting information about.

They certainly seem to drive well.

page3

4,921 posts

252 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
I sent an email off to Goodyear Uk, and got a reply today that states

"Present tests to gain an E mark on a tyre make no requirement of how well the tyre grips and it's performance in European / UK climatic conditions. E marks are a sign that the tyre has conformed to construction, environmental and noise tests. "

and

"In size 205 50 r 16 the F1GSD3 , Goodyear UK only recommended purchase of the one made in Germany."

Great! This doesn't really help much as I'm not sure what recourse I have with the garage that fitted them (on Friday) if any. It also seems to go against what I've read here, that German production (of F1's) has stopped.

To be honest, in this cold weather, the tyres seem to be excellent. Certainly a whole lot better than what the car had before.

Any advice appreciated.

HellDiver

5,708 posts

183 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
page3 said:
Any advice appreciated.
Print the email from Goodyear and take them back. They're selling a vital safety item against the manufacturer's recommendation. Simple.

jon-

16,511 posts

217 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
page3 said:
I sent an email off to Goodyear Uk, and got a reply today that states

"Present tests to gain an E mark on a tyre make no requirement of how well the tyre grips and it's performance in European / UK climatic conditions. E marks are a sign that the tyre has conformed to construction, environmental and noise tests. "

and

"In size 205 50 r 16 the F1GSD3 , Goodyear UK only recommended purchase of the one made in Germany."

Great! This doesn't really help much as I'm not sure what recourse I have with the garage that fitted them (on Friday) if any. It also seems to go against what I've read here, that German production (of F1's) has stopped.

To be honest, in this cold weather, the tyres seem to be excellent. Certainly a whole lot better than what the car had before.

Any advice appreciated.
Which email address did you contact? That's a change of opinion from Goodyear UK from 12 months ago.

page3

4,921 posts

252 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
jon- said:
Which email address did you contact? That's a change of opinion from Goodyear UK from 12 months ago.
I used the web form on their website.

The reply is from Product Support and Service. Name and contact number given, but not sure if I should publish it here.

I have just had an answer to my follow up email, which says that as they are E marked they can legally be sold here. I am told I should contact the tyre dealer and see what they say, as they are not recommended for the UK market.

However, I was trying to get something a bit stronger, as they are legal I'm not sure what recourse I have, if any.

As you say, it also seems at odds with the reply given here a few years ago - although those E marked ones were from China, not Thailand.

jon-

16,511 posts

217 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
page3 said:
jon- said:
Which email address did you contact? That's a change of opinion from Goodyear UK from 12 months ago.
I used the web form on their website.

The reply is from Product Support and Service. Name and contact number given, but not sure if I should publish it here.

I have just had an answer to my follow up email, which says that as they are E marked they can legally be sold here. I am told I should contact the tyre dealer and see what they say, as they are not recommended for the UK market.

However, I was trying to get something a bit stronger, as they are legal I'm not sure what recourse I have, if any.

As you say, it also seems at odds with the reply given here a few years ago - although those E marked ones were from China, not Thailand.
I emailed a contact at Goodyear asking the question and the answer was the Thailand ones aren't emarked, the Chinese and German ones are, which would make sense if you weren't saying you got some Thai emarked tyres!

I see in a separate thread you say the tyres feed excellent despite their Thai origins?

Redlake27

2,255 posts

245 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
It's James from Goodyear.

My July 2007 posting, above, still applies.

In most sizes the GSD3 has been discontinued in EU markets , and replaced with the Eagle F1 Asymmetric.

We still make GSD3s to EU specification in certain sizes where we had OE fitments and import them from Germany and China. (The confusion in the above two posts stating only buy German made tyres is probably because that particular size wasn't made in China)

The Thai made F1 is not officially imported by Goodyear Dunlop Europe. We have successfully taken legal action against wholesalers who infringe EU trademark legislation by importing tyres that our European business chooses not to market in the EU.

This affects a minority of buyers, but the actions of these wholesalers understandably causes confusion.

If you are delighted with your Thai F1s, then great! However, you do have the right to take this up with your dealer and if they confirm that they have not been sourced through Goodyear Dunlop Europe you can ask for these to be exchanged.

For more advice, you are welcome to call our Helpline on 01902 453097

Edited by Redlake27 on Tuesday 2nd March 09:39


Edited by Redlake27 on Tuesday 2nd March 10:47

page3

4,921 posts

252 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
Redlake27 said:
It's James from Goodyear.

My July 2007 posting, above, still applies.

In most sizes the GSD3 has been discontinued in EU markets , and replaced with the Eagle F1 Asymmetric.

We still make GSD3s to EU specification in certain sizes where we had OE fitments and import them from Germany and China. (The confusion in the above two posts stating only buy German made tyres is probably because that particular size wasn't made in China)

The Thai made F1 is not officially imported by Goodyear Dunlop Europe. We have successfully taken legal action against wholesalers who infringe EU trademark legislation by importing tyres that our European business chooses not to market in the EU.

This affects a minority of buyers, but the actions of these wholesalers understandably causes confusion.

If you are delighted with your Thai F1s, then great! However, you do have the right to take this up with your dealer and if they confirm that they have not been sourced through Goodyear Dunlop Europe you can ask for these to be exchanged.

For more advice, you are welcome to call our Helpline on 01902 453097

Edited by Redlake27 on Tuesday 2nd March 09:39
Thanks for your reply.

I called my dealer, who was very understanding. He called his supplier (Stapletons) who confirmed the tyres come from both Germany and Thailand. Both are E marked, and fine for sale in the UK, they told him.

I was told Stapletons are one of the largest suppliers in the UK and reputable.

Where do I go from here? I am told from my garage (and their supplier) that they are safe and perfectly OK for UK use. I am told from Goodyear that they are not designed for UK use.

I really feel caught in the middle and not 'pushy' enough to get the tyres swapped for German ones.

Can Goodyear UK arrange anything for me? James, can we speed directly, or have you done all that you can?

Yes, the Thailand tyres are significantly better than my old ones, but I really want the safety and security I believed I was paying for in buying these premium tyres.

Redlake27

2,255 posts

245 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
If Stapletons, who are one of the UK's most reputable dealers, have confirmed that these are the E-marked variety, then you are OK.


As you can imagine, with the wide variety of different tyres made for different markets (we stock over 3000 different specifications in the UK alone), we want to ensure the right tyres are sold in the UK to maintain driver safety - and our own reputation.

One of the ways we are doing this is to take legal action against wholesalers who infringe our trademark rights by importing tyres that have been not sold through our EU business. On rare occasions, non-E marked tyres have ended up in the UK as a result of this, and we have used the Trademark protection ruling to stop imports of these tyres.

Enjoy your driving!
James





page3

4,921 posts

252 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
Thanks James.

I sent an email to Stapletons, before I saw this reply, so we'll see what they say. It does concern me when i am informed wet weather handling is worse on the Thailand ones.

The problem has been getting reliable information, as the forums are littered with opinion rather than fact.

Your posts here have been most helpful.