Westlake to introduce RP28, preview SUV tyres in Bologna

Hangzhou Zhongce lead brand Westlake Tyres has announced that it will stage the official launch of its new RP28 passenger car tyre at this year’s Autopromotec in Bologna. The manufacturer says the 50 size line-up demonstrates its support of Westlake as a growing force in the European tyre market. The brand states it will also preview an extended line of SUV/4×4 products.

The RP28 covers a wide variety of dimensions from 175/65TR14 to 225/55VR16 and has a compound designed to improve wet and dry traction. Westlake says the main focus of the RP28 is family vehicles, and that it has increased the product’s emphasis on reducing rolling resistance accordingly.

In the 4×4/SUV segment, Westlake will preview the new SU317 and SU318. Soon to be available in over 40 dimensions ranging from 16” to 20” in size, the ranges are designed to capitalise on the growing popularity of the SUV/4×4 vehicle segment.

Jorge Crespo, general manager of Eskay Tyres, commented: “In 2012, Hangzhou Zhongce manufactured almost 40 million passenger and truck tyres and Europe is now a key part of the company’s global growth strategy. We intend to build on this strong platform to continue to deliver new and improved tyre ranges for our partners in 2013.”