Russian tyre giant Sibur was in the UK this month to meet distributors and retailers.

The Moscow-based business, responsible for 40% of Russia’s tyre production, has long-term ambitions to build sales in Western Europe and used its presence at the Brityrex International trade show to expose its brands to UK tyre fitters and wholesalers.

Igor Karavoev, its strategy and business development director, told AM around 30% of its business – equating to $200m - is in the export market, and it is seeking distributors.

However, the company’s medium-term focus is on CV tyres. Karavoev said the car tyre market is highly competitive, so less growth is expected in this segment. But he has a $20m budget to position Sibur’s car and LCV brands.