Behind the wheel: Stéphane Clepkens’ journey to redefining tyre performance
When it comes to tyres, few individuals can match the expertise and passion of Stéphane Clepkens, Test Manager at Radar Tyres. With a career spanning nearly 25 years in the automotive industry, Stéphane brings a unique perspective to the intricate art of tyre testing and development.
A career forged on the track
Stéphane began his journey in 2000 as a test driver for Continental Tyres, focusing on Original Equipment (OE) tyres for BMW. Over the next three years, he honed his skills in precision testing, learning the nuances of chassis and tyre dynamics. In 2003, Stéphane took a bold leap into freelancing, collaborating with leading tyre brands such as Dunlop, Yokohama, Hankook, and Bridgestone.
WATCH VIDEOJoining Radar Tyres: a new chapter
Stéphane’s decision to join Radar Tyres was driven by the company’s progressive approach. “Radar Tyres impressed me with their flat, horizontal management structure and the freedom they offer to innovate,” Stéphane shares. “Their mission to deliver premium-level performance at accessible prices aligns perfectly with my vision of democratising tyre safety and quality.”
A unique philosophy on tyre testing
For Stéphane, real-world testing is at the heart of tyre development. “Tyres are complex and highly technical products,” he explains. “Their performance can only be truly understood under real driving conditions, where we transform subjective customer feedback into objective targets for research and development.”
Redefining premium
Stéphane’s mission at Radar Tyres is clear: to elevate the brand to premium status while ensuring that its products remain affordable for all. “Every market is different, and in Europe, I know what customers and carmakers expect from their tyres,” he says. “Reaching premium standards requires targeting the same benchmarks as the established leaders, but we’re committed to achieving this without compromising on cost-effectiveness.”
Making safety accessible
Stéphane’s passion extends beyond performance metrics to the broader impact of his work. “Tyres are the only points of contact between a car and the road,” he notes. “Democratising premium tyre performance means providing young drivers, retirees, and everyone in between with access to safe, reliable products.”
Looking ahead
Despite his extensive experience, Stéphane continues to find joy and discovery in his work. “Every day, I learn something new,” he says. “When we develop a truly brilliant product, it’s a rewarding experience that reminds me why I’m passionate about what I do.”
Why choose Radar Tyres?
Radar Tyres isn’t just about making great tyres – it’s about making great tyres accessible to everyone. With experts like Stéphane Clepkens leading the charge, we’re breaking barriers in the industry by creating tyres that deliver safety, reliability, and performance without compromise. Whether you’re navigating winter roads, enjoying a spirited drive, or simply commuting to work, Radar Tyres is here to keep you grounded – literally and figuratively.