Falken: Brand overview
Born in Japan in 1983, Falken Tire has demonstrated its prowess in the tire industry for decades. In 1985, the brand was recognized in North America, and in 1988, it gained a foothold in Europe. Today, Falken Tire’s main focus is producing and refining Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) products. Using professional motorsports as a proving ground for innovation, the company has a range of products distributed worldwide.
In 1983, OHTSU Rubber & Tire created the Falken brand. These tires were specifically designed to provide high performance and reliability.
In 1985, Falken Motorsports was established two years later, marking the beginning of product distribution in the United States.
1988 was a landmark year for Falken. Its motorsports team became champions in the international Mirage Cup series, making history. The same year saw the debut of the Sincera tire, another innovation that demonstrated superior performance and reliability. In addition, Falken Tyre Europe GmbH was founded in Offenbach am Main, Germany, ushering in an eventful era in the tire industry.
In 1990, the GT-R R32 class won the N1 Endurance Sugu 400 km 6-hour endurance race, demonstrating Falken products’ exceptional performance and durability.
In 1991, Falken was instrumental in making the BNR32 the triumphant winner of Japan’s Super N1 Taikyu series. At the same time, the Falken team took part in the Kenya Endurance Rally, pushing the boundaries and testing the limits of endurance.
The same year marked a major milestone with the opening of Falken’s U.S. headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga.
In 1994, Falken Tires reaffirmed its commitment to motorsports and the automotive industry by becoming an official sponsor of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).
In 2003, the company introduced the AZENIS line, adding a new dimension to high-performance tires.
In 2004, Falken Tires expanded its sponsorship portfolio to include the Dakar Rally.
Then, in 2007, Falken Tires introduced a new player in the ultra-high-performance tire market with the launch of the EUROV line.
A new chapter began in 2011 when Falken Tires became an official sponsor of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), kicking off an exciting partnership that brought significant change to the racing industry.
In 2012, Falken Tires introduced the WILDPEAK A/T3W all-terrain tire, revolutionizing the tire industry.
In 2015, Falken Tires introduced the AZENIS FK510 from Falken Tires in the ultra-high-performance tire segment.
In 2018, Falken Tires dominated the VLN Endurance Championship at the famous Nürburgring circuit and won the championship title.
In 2022, Falken Tires introduced the AZENIS FK520 ultra-high-performance tire designed to provide superior road control and handling, further strengthening its position in the automotive industry.
Meaning and History
What is Falken?
Since its founding in 1983 by Sumitomo Rubber Industries of Japan, Falken Tire has carved a niche for itself in the international tire industry. Falken Tire specializes in tires for passenger cars as well as light and medium trucks, operating from its global headquarters in Kobe, Japan, and additional offices in Offenbach am Main, Germany, and Rancho Cucamonga, USA. Spanning more than 100 countries, Falken Tire has consistently been a leading supplier of high-quality tires to customers around the world.
1983 – 1990s
1990s – today
Designers played off the name of the German tire manufacturer and its line of work by creating a logo with the word “FALKEN.” The red segment of the letter “F” resembles a stylized spoke of a car wheel or a tire tread pattern. This abstract element symbolizes speed due to its pointed shape, similar to an arrowhead. The rest of the text is colored blue and looks unique, thanks to a custom font where smooth curves mix with sharp angles.
The red “F” part is like a quick flash, making think of cars zooming on a racetrack. It’s like the tire’s tread but also like an arrow, which is super cool. The blue text is chill and different. The mix of smooth and sharp in the letters is like a comfortable and sporty car.