ZC Rubber extends OE portfolio

Several years ago, a large Chinese tyre maker expressed to us its confidence that it would supply original equipment tyres for Europe within a decade – the assumption being that its tyres would arrive on Chinese vehicle brands imported into the region. Keeping an eye on OEM deals in China thus provide insights into which tyres we may see as original equipment in the coming years.

ZC Rubber has announced China market OE deals with two manufacturers that already offer models in our part of the world. It is supplying the Chaoyang Arisun 1 A/T to Dongfeng Motor as an original equipment tyre for its first off-road electric SUV, the Mengshi M-Hero 917. In the commercial sector, Chaoyang AT577 is original equipment on SAIC Maxus Explorer Everest.

Arisun 1 A/T is ZC Rubber’s latest all-terrain tyre for China and is said to provide “versatile, durable driving in on- and off-road conditions.” ZC Rubber developed the Chaoyang tyre is for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks that need to “tackle the toughest surfaces” and gave it a reinforced shoulder and cut- and puncture-resistant compound that “offers superior protection and cut resistance in rough and abrasive applications.” The Mengshi M-Hero 917 is fitted with Arisun 1 A/T tyres in size 275/65 R20.

Explorer Everest is a “premium RV” sold under the Maxus brand name. It is equipped with Chaoyang AT577 tyres in size 385/65R22.5 as original equipment. According to ZC Rubber, the AT577 is an all-season truck tyre that “excels in off-road performance and on-road comfort.” It features a bevelled open shoulder and self-cleaning tread design with stone ejectors in the groove bottom to ensure long-life service in both on- and off-road conditions.

Maxus Explorer Everest is equipped with Chaoyang AT577 tyres (Photo: ZC Rubber)