Stamford Sport Wheels (SSW), a subsidiary of Stamford Tyres Corporation Limited (STCL), has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality wheels since its founding in 2004. Over the years, the company has grown into one of Thailand’s leading wheel manufacturers, supplying both private-label and SSW-branded products to a diverse client base. Today, SSW wheels are shipped across Europe, the USA, Australia, South Africa, and much of the Asia-Pacific region.

This year, the brand set its sights on expanding its presence in Malaysia by joining International Automodified (IAM) Malaysia, the region’s largest and fastest-growing automotive lifestyle show and competition, held from 16th –17th August at the Setia City Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

“SSW’s goal is to raise awareness of its brand and showcase our full range, from cast wheels to the performance-focused Flotec series and the rugged Diesel collection,” said Kelvin Wong, Head of the Wheels Department (SSW & Japanese Rays Wheels). “We also display Rays wheels from Japan, which we’ve distributed exclusively for almost 20 years. With wheels, people want to see, touch, and feel—exhibitions are the perfect way to connect with enthusiasts.”

At the show, SSW unveiled two standout additions: the SSW S404LP and the Flotec F125.

The SSW S404LP, engineered exclusively for the Suzuki Jimny, reflects the brand’s status as Malaysia’s leading supplier of Jimny-specific wheels. Designed for both off-road adventures and city streets, the S404LP combines durability, stability, and a balanced aesthetic. Its optimised offset enhances handling, while pairing it with Falken Wildpeak tyres completes a rugged yet stylish setup. With more than10 Jimny-specific designs in its portfolio, SSW offers the widest choice for owners eager to personalise their ride.

Meanwhile, the Flotec F125 brings precision engineering to modern sedans and SUVs. Built using advanced flow-forming technology, the F125 is lighter yet stronger than standard cast wheels, improving handling, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Its clean spoke design offers versatility, making it suitable for both Japanese and European marques. “Flotec was created to bridge motorsport performance with daily drivability,” Wong said. “The F125 captures that perfectly.”

Customer Taste and Market Realities

Comparing aftermarket wheels to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) designs, Wong noted that OEM options are chosen for universal appeal and tend to be more conservative. Aftermarket buyers, by contrast, are driven by style and passion, with strong influences from Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) designs like the TE37 and CE28 rims.

He explained that the aftermarket splits into two main categories: motorsport wheels—sporty, aggressive, and typically six or seven-spoked, while dress-up wheels are often designed for Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) and Sport-Utility Vehicles (SUVs) with creative colour finishes. In Malaysia, demand for larger wheels is rising, particularly in 18-inch,19-inch and 20-inch sizes.

Chinese cars, Wong observed, have not yet shaped local wheel trends, as they are still relatively new to the market, and many of their buyers are often older, rarely modifying their vehicles. Warranty concerns also deter some from changing rims.

When it comes to design preference, Wong said it ultimately depends on the car owner’s taste. Technology, however, is becoming a deciding factor, with lightweight, durable flow-forming wheels gaining ground over traditional cast wheels.

One of SSW’s biggest challenges is the influx of cheaper Chinese wheels, often priced 40–50 per cent lower due to massive production volumes. “Not all Chinese wheels are poor in quality,” Wong said, “but good ones still cost more. The risk with low-cost options is cracked spokes from potholes, which can damage tyres and even the car itself. Warranties may replace the wheel, but they won’t cover those other damages or the safety risk.”

To uphold its quality promise, SSW heat-treats its aluminium wheels at 550°C, a costly but vital process that significantly improves mechanical properties, strengthening and enhancing precision. According to Wong, many other manufacturers skip this process to cut costs. The company also uses only premium A356.2 aluminium ingots and never recycled materials. This, he points out, is all combined with the renowned craftsmanship of Thailand’s skilled workforce.

SSW’s commitment on quality is backed by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, along with a suite of international approvals, such as Eurasian Conformity (EAC), TUV IATF 16949:2016, JWL (Technical Standard for Light Alloy Disc Wheels), JWL-T (for light alloy truck and bus wheels), and VIA (Vehicle Inspection Association, Japan) approval.

When asked about wheels for electric vehicles (EVs), Wong explained that as long as the load index supports the heavier weight of an EV, the same wheels can be used. Yet aftermarket rim changes for EVs remain rare due to warranty concerns.

SSW currently partners with 80 dealers in Malaysia and aims to expand, but cautious market conditions mean many prefer ordering on demand rather than holding stock. For Klang Valley deliveries, the company uses Lalamove, while outstation dealers still keep inventory to offset delivery times.

R&D and Global Opportunities

According to Conson Sia, CEO of Stamford Tyre Group, SSW’s Research & Development (R&D) spend depends heavily on brand partnerships. With anti-dumping duties and higher tariffs in North America, more brands are turning to SSW, pushing the company to meet stringent standards and undergo frequent audits from client engineers.

Unlike Chinese-owned factories in Thailand, SSW is a fully Thailand-based operation, with all production done locally. This authenticity, combined with premium quality, has opened doors to collaborations with prestigious brands. “Our designs once catered mainly to Asia, but now include Americas and European styles,” Conson said. “This global shift has elevated our profile.”

However, he stressed the need for caution: “If Chinese imports regain acceptance, market conditions could change overnight. For now, we’re optimising our capacity, focusing on profitable premium products, and avoiding risky large-scale expansions.”

SSW’s 19,600 sqm facility in Nonthaburi, Thailand, produces up to 100,000 wheels a month using Tilting Gravity Casting, Low-Pressure Casting, and Japanese Nihon Spindle Flow-Form technology. These methods deliver exceptional precision, consistency, grain-refined strength, and reduced weight—resulting in stronger, lighter, and longer-lasting wheels.

In partnership with the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), the plant adheres to rigorous global manufacturing and quality standards. Every wheel is certified, tested, and quality-checked before leaving the warehouse, ensuring consistent safety and performance worldwide.