Dunlop expands light truck tyre portfolio to meet demand for seasonal mobility

Dunlop Econodrive AS all-season van tyre (Photo: Dunlop)

Dunlop is extending its Econodrive range of light truck tyres to include winter and all-season fitments. Two new products, the Dunlop Econodrive AS (all-season) and Dunlop Econodrive Winter, expand the existing Dunlop Econodrive light truck range. This includes the summer tyres Dunlop Econodrive and Dunlop Econodrive LT. Dunlop said the new additions help to position the brand to compete in the value segment of the light truck tyre market.

The decision to expand the Dunlop light truck tyre range comes after parent company Goodyear’s latest market research data forecast growth of 9.3 per cent over the next five years in the sub-premium segment of the European light truck tyre market (Goodyear’s data is based on European sell-in market data, excluding Turkey and Russia).

The Dunlop Econodrive AS and Dunlop Econodrive Winter will be available in 17 and 19 new sizes respectively, ready to fit the most popular light trucks.

All-round performance and durability

The Dunlop Econodrive AS features technological solutions that deliver performance to light trucks in a wide range of conditions, with strong mileage and durability. Featuring a high number of blades and a new cap compound, the tread edges support grip and braking in wet conditions. The tyre also maximises its mileage with high tread depth, while the construction targets increased robustness. The all-season tyre is designed to operate in wide range of conditions.

Dunlop Econodrive Winter (Photo: Dunlop)

For the Econodrive Winter, Dunlop has developed a tread pattern with a distinctive ‘V’ shape, which enhances water evacuation for reliable handling. Meanwhile, the centre grooves function to catch and grip to snow when in motion. The tyre’s tread blocks are also strengthened by connectors, which maintain the tyre’s structural rigidity, helping lower abrasion and increase mileage.

Sonia Leneveu, director marketing consumer Europe at Goodyear: “We are proud to be investing in the light truck segment of our portfolio with a range of high-quality products that feature a number of exciting features. As this area of the market continues to expand, Dunlop’s strong brand is poised to take advantage of the market trends.

“Now with a comprehensive LT range featuring summer, all season and winter fitments, we have a product for every driver.”

It is noteworthy that Goodyear is explicitly positioning Dunlop, a widely recognised brand with a long – if complex – history, as a brand targeting the value segment. The launch of these new products for the light truck tyre market come as Goodyear is reconfiguring the position of the Dunlop within its wider brand strategy.