Yokohama HPT to introduce winter van/light truck range to UK

The UK distributor for Yokohama tyres has announced that it will introduce a new winter tyre for vans and light commercial vehicles to the market, with availability set for the third and fourth quarters of 2011. The new addition to the W.drive range, the WY01, will be aimed at van and cargo vehicles and will utilise the same technology as the W.drive tyres developed for passenger cars, according to a Yokohama HPT statement, yielding greater safety when the temperature falls below seven degrees centigrade. The compound has been created to provide increased grip from the late Autumn to the beginning of Spring.

The tread and construction of the WY01 has also been developed to ensure that traction in bad winter conditions is increased, allowing operators to continue about their business in complete safety and security. The WY01 will be available in four sizes initially, including 205/65R16C for models such as the Citroen Jumpy and the Renault Traffic, 235/65R16C for the Mercedes Sprinter, 195/75R15C for the VW Crafter and 195/70R15C for the Ford Transit, among others.

It is anticipated that tyres will be available through the Yokohama HPT nationwide dealer network in the third or fourth quarters of 2011. More information, including price details, will be available closer to launch. The W.drive range has drawn critical acclaim, with manufacturers such as Audi, Bentley, Lotus and AMG Mercedes approving it for use. German motoring organisation, ADAC, also recommended the W.drive range.