Test-winning winter technologies: Goodyear launches UltraGrip Performance+ SUV

More than a year after its counterpart for conventional saloons came to market, Goodyear is introducing the UltraGrip Performance+ SUV. This new tyre range covers the growing SUV and crossover market by offering consumers a “technology-packed winter tyre that increases the versatility and contributes to the safety of their vehicles.”

The tyre maker has high hopes for its new range, and not without reason: Several European motoring publications have already crowned the UltraGrip Performance+ for conventional cars winner in their comparative tyre tests, including Auto Express, Auto Bild Sportscars and auto motor und sport in 2019, as well as Auto Bild Allrad in its 2020 winter test of 225/55 R17 tyres for smaller-sized SUVs. Goodyear says the UltraGrip Performance+ SUV “takes this award-winning technology and offers it in a package designed for the increasingly important SUV market.”

A growing market

The winter premium SUV market is one of the fastest-growing in the tyre industry. Drivers seeking the versatility of an SUV are looking for tyres to meet their desire for safety and secure traction. As a result, this is a growing market with a growth of eight per cent over the last decade (according to Europool & IHS figures). The SUV segment is shifting towards larger rim sizes, too, with sales of tyres in rim diameters above 19-inch are forecasted to grow by eight per cent in the 2019-2024 period.

The tyre trade is therefore increasingly focused on these high-value and high-demand segments. In response, Goodyear has developed a package of technologies to “put UltraGrip Performance+ SUV at the forefront of the market.”

Goodyear reports a gain of 13 per cent more mileage and improved performance in all winter conditions compared with the predecessor tyre. It achieved this by integrating the following innovations into the UltraGrip Performance+ SUV.

Mileage Plus Technology: High tread elasticity results in better wear resistance, improving durability and mileage.

Winter Grip Technology: A new compound enhances rubber elasticity at low temperatures providing increased grip on both snow and ice.

Traction Protect Technology: Featuring an advanced resin that improves the tyre’s deformation and reformation capabilities. As a result, braking forces can be transmitted into grip faster.

A tyre that delivers in demanding conditions

“UltraGrip Performance+ SUV combines our test-winning winter technologies with our expertise in developing tyres for the demands of SUV, 4×4 and crossover drivers,” says Laurent Colantonio, Goodyear’s regional technology director, Consumer Tires EMEA. “Many of these drivers are attracted to these types of vehicle by a desire for safety, traction and versatility. UltraGrip Performance+ SUV gives these drivers a tyre that delivers in the most demanding winter conditions.”

Goodyear offers the UltraGrip Performance+ SUV in 33 SKUs for 16- to 20-inch rim diameters, a line-up that covers a “vast range” of SUVs and crossovers, from the compact urban segment through to premium large 4x4s.