As the sole distributor of Falken Tyres and the sole distributor of Rays Wheels in Malaysia and Singapore, Stamford Tyres (M) Sdn Bhd (STM) highlighted why both Japanese brands complement each other, delivering a strong combination of performance, engineering excellence and driving confidence.
“Rays Wheels is the leading Japanese wheel brand globally, including in Malaysia. Stamford Tyres has been distributing Rays Wheels for more than 30 years. Beyond their striking appearance, the lightness, strength and craftsmanship of these wheels are backed by proprietary technologies that set Rays apart,” said Kelvin Wong, Assistant Sales Manager (Rim Department).
He explained that Rays forged wheels represent advanced engineering, combining strength and lightweight benefits via precision forging and innovative material use.
“Through advanced analysis and refined manufacturing techniques, Rays continuously develops wheels that are lighter, stronger and more aesthetically appealing. Their strength ensures safety in all driving conditions, while their lightweight design enhances performance and driving enjoyment,” he added.
Motor Sport Heritage
Kelvin highlighted that Rays’ credibility is strongly rooted in motor sport. Founded in 1973, the company and established its racing division in 1981. Since then, Rays wheels have been tested and proven in some of the world’s most demanding motor sport competitions, such as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Super GT, Formula 1 and Formula Drift.
Every Rays wheel is developed under extreme racing conditions before reaching the consumer market, translating race-proven technology into everyday performance and reliability, he says.
He also noted that Rays wheels are fully forged and manufactured using new materials rather than recycled inputs. To enhance safety, Rays applies its proprietary “JWL+R Spec 2” standard, where wheels undergo strength testing at twice the conventional requirement.
“This makes the testing 200 per cent more rigorous than standard benchmarks, ensuring the wheels can withstand modern vehicle demands,” he said.
Despite its premium positioning, Rays offers a wide product portfolio covering different customer needs. Its line-up includes the high-performance Volk Racing lines-up, the sporty Gram Lights range, premium dress-up wheels such as Versus, VMF, A-LAP and Homura, as well as dedicated off-road wheels designed for 4×4 applications.
“We carry the full Rays range. If a model is not in stock, we can place a special order. However, forged wheels require longer production time, with delivery typically taking between six months to a year,” he said.
Kelvin noted that, in Malaysia, demand for Volk Racing lines-up is driven largely by the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and performance car owners. Popular premium car models include the Lexus LX600, GX550, Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 and LC250, as well as performance-oriented vehicles like the Honda Civic Type R FK8 and FL5, Toyota GR Yaris and Toyota GR Corolla. Most applications fall within the 18 to 19-inch range.
Rays has also expanded into lifestyle merchandise to connect with younger enthusiasts and build a stronger community.
“The idea is to create a shared culture among fans and customers, so they feel part of a special group. Merchandise line-ups include caps, T-shirts, jackets, keychains, bags, toys and more,” said Frankie Kong, Sales Manager, Falken & Head Sales of SUV & 4×4.
Frankie explained why Falken Tyres and Rays Wheels form a strong pairing, as both are Japanese-made products developed under a motorsport-focused philosophy.
“Falken Tyres, particularly the Ultra High Performance (UHP) range (FK520L/RT660+) manufactured in Japan, deliver strong grip, sharp handling and stability across both daily and high-speed driving conditions. Combined with Rays Wheels lightweight forged construction, which reduces unsprung weight and improves steering response, the pairing enhances overall vehicle dynamics. Together, they create a balanced setup that improves control, responsiveness and driving confidence, making it a preferred choice among JDM and performance enthusiasts,” he said.
Glenmarie, Shah Alam Warehouse Showroom Concept
Frankie also revealed STM’s adoption of a warehouse showroom concept at its headquarters for Falken and Rays products, this concept is first in Malaysia. He pointed out that conventional showroom space limitation makes it difficult to display the full range, while the warehouse showroom concept allows customers to experience the products more closely.
“Customers can see and feel the tyres, including tread patterns and width,” he explained.
The setup combines storage and retail display, allowing customers to browse inventory directly from the shop floor. It is particularly suitable for Rays customers, who are highly detail-oriented.
“For Rays customers, even the smallest scratch is unacceptable. By keeping wheels boxed and opening them in front of customers, we provide a more exclusive buying experience,” he added.
Stamford Tyres has also launched a new dedicated Rays showroom at its Plentong Flagship Store in Johor. According to Wong Siew Peng, Vice President (Retail Group) of Stamford Tyres International Pte Ltd., the facility is designed to deliver a more immersive and focused brand experience for performance-oriented drivers.
“It allows customers to truly appreciate the craftsmanship, engineering heritage and precision behind the Rays brand,” she said.
The showroom features a curated display of premium wheel lines, supported by professional consultation and expert fitment advice tailored to both performance and aesthetic needs. A strong emphasis is also placed on wheel-tyre compatibility, with trained specialists providing technical guidance and end-to-end installation support to ensure optimal results for each vehicle.
“Ultimately, it is a destination for customers who value precision engineering, performance upgrades and a higher standard of specialist service,” she added.
Retail Transformation
Meanwhile, the upcoming Bukit Indah showroom will play a strategic role in strengthening Stamford Tyres’ presence in southern Malaysia. It will improve accessibility for customers across western Johor and motorists from Singapore, while complementing existing outlets by closing geographic service gaps.
This outlet, she explained, will also serve as an experience-led platform for Falken and Rays, targeting both everyday drivers and enthusiasts. Beyond expanding reach, it is expected to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
These expansions reflect Stamford Tyres’ broader retail transformation strategy, which focuses on both brand experience and commercial growth. The company aims to move beyond transactional tyre sales and build experiential retail environments that educate, engage and support informed decision-making, particularly within performance and enthusiast segments.
“Johor remains a key growth region due to its strong automotive demand, residential developments and cross-border traffic. These investments strengthen our foundation for sustainable growth and a more premium retail experience, aligned with global brand standards,” she said.
STM will participate in the International Auto Modified (IAM) Kuala Lumpur 2026 from 7 to 8 November at MAEPS Serdang to raise brand awareness and engaged the automotive modification community. The company will showcase a comprehensive range of Rays Wheels and Falken Tyres, along with interactive booth activities, and promotions.
In addition to Rays and Falken products, STM’s diverse wheel portfolio also includes its in-house SSW wheels and Japan-made Weds Wheels.