I'm pretty sure this is to replace Dunlop brand. If not mistaken, they can only manufacture Dunlop tire in Kedah plant, but since that is shutting down, they have to replace it with General Tire which they are already producing in Hefei and can produce in Rayong.

In that regard it would perform similar to Dunlop range of tires.

Continental develops and manufacture Dunlop tires for Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei. That much I know as I was very much involved with that. The only thing I dont know is the limit of manufacturing that Continental has on the Dunlop brand and if they will be letting go of the brand since they now are not producing in Malaysia.

But since General Tire is being introduce that's why I am guessing its to replace the Dunlop brand. To me this is indicative that Continental can only produce Dunlop in Malaysia. So with Alor Setar closing shop, they can't produce Dunlop tires any more so they need a different brand to fill the segment.

Will be interesting to see what they do with the Dunlop brand in the future. Either selling it off to Sumitomo or if they will keep it to fend of the segment in this market.