Toyo Tyres UK presents new Open Country A/T III
Toyo has introduced its Open Country A/T III to the UK market, stating that it is “ready for anything road surfaces and weather conditions can throw at it.”
4×4 Tyres
Toyo has introduced its Open Country A/T III to the UK market, stating that it is “ready for anything road surfaces and weather conditions can throw at it.”
The new Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain A/T002 offers “improved adaptation and reaction over different types of terrain, excellent wet and dry grip, and improved mileage” based on internal benchmarks comparing the new tyre with its predecessor, the Dueler A/T001 in 265/65 R17. Specifically, that means 40 per cent better mileage compared with the Dueler A/T001, due to the tyre’s maximised footprint width and optimised contact patch.
The years since 2020 have brought with them more than their fair share of upheaval. However, throughout that period the growth in importance of SUV and 4×4 tyre sales has continued basically unabashed. With that in mind Tyres & Accessories asked the market research specialists at GfK for their view on the latest headline trends in the UK market. However, while this article zeroes in on the UK market, the UK market position as an established leader in the wider European market take-up of SUVs – and therefore SUV tyres – means the trends identified are also relevant across the continental tyre markets.
The Nexen Roadian HTX 2 is an awardee at the iF Design Awards 2023, having gained an accolade in the product design category. This honour for the HTX 2 precedes the tyre’s launch in European markets, which will take place during the course of this year. The HTX 2 will apparently complement the existing HTX range at first, however Nexen Tire has not yet released details about the launch range.
GB Tyres has been appointed as exclusive distributor of the Kenda Tyres brand in the UK. The news follows a meeting between Sukhi Singh, managing director of GB Tyres and Henno Plaggenborg, director, automotive division Europe at Kenda Tyres today.
During March, The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., “gradually” launched sales of the new Geolandar A/T XD all-terrain pickup truck tyre in North America and Australia. The Geolandar A/T XD is initially coming out in a range of 16, 17, 18 and 20-inch sizes.
In response to increasing demand for high-performance SUV products, Kumho has upgraded its SUV/4×4 line-up, bringing passenger car tyre technology to the SUV market.
Kumho’s new ECSTA PS71 SUV flagship product has been specially developed for the powerful SUV models offered by the likes of Land Rover, BMW and Audi. Its pattern is closely related to that of the company’s ECSTA PS71 high-performance passenger car tyre and features the High Dispersible Micro Silica (HDMS) and the fifth generation Solution Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (S-SBR) that has been employed for the passenger car tyre’s tread compound.
Well-known contract tyre manufacturer – SD-International is promoting the “SUV style and safety” of its Zeta-branded Impero SUV and Toledo 4×4 tyre ranges. According to the company, which is aiming to build up its established position in the UK and European tyre markets, Zeta SUV and 4×4 products “provide a series of impressive features and benefits including…modern and stylish” tread patterns. The details remain to be seen, but moving forward there is even talk of a “new EV serial” becoming available “by spring 2023”.
Across the Atlantic, Yokohama Tire Corporation, the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has launched the Geolandar A/T XD. The Geolandar A/T XD is engineered for “full-size pickup trucks and commercial vans”. It is severe snow service-rated and moulded for optional studs purportedly offering “outstanding on- and off-road traction all year round”. The A/T XD is initially available in 21 sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches, with more sizes coming later in the year.
Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched its Vredestein-branded Pinza AT tyres in India. Dubbed “dedicated and premium tyres for SUVs in India”, the Vredestein Pinza AT products feature “all-weather grip”, “excellent stability” and are said to deliver “comfortably rugged” and “quieter rides”, according to the company.
Building on its 2015 foundation, the UK-owned Davanti Tyres brand has developed a comprehensive range of products for the car and light truck segments while increasing its penetration via distribution partners in international markets. With its products produced in East Asia and its sister distribution company Oak Tyres handling UK distribution, the brand can offer an informed perspective on current car tyre market trends. Tyres & Accessories talked to Davanti Tyres sales director for UK and Ireland, Sean Maddocks about tyre imports, car parc evolution, and the latest Davanti products.
Yokohama is supplying its Geolandar M/T G003 tyres for SUVs and pickup trucks to more than 30 teams at the annual King of the Hammers off-road race in California (4–11 February). The manufacturer is providing a mix of its Geolandar M/T G003 and a special race version based on that tyre. The King of the Hammers is the Ultra4 National Series racing tour season-opener. The series combines desert racing and rock crawling and is considered the one of the toughest off-road races in the world. Yokohama tyres will be used in all four-wheel class races over the week-long event.
SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Ollie Ollerton and Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja, star of Netflix’s 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, reached the summit of Ama Dablam in Nepal ahead of Armistice Day on 11th November. The pair, both former Special Boat Services operatives, led an expedition up the 6,812m-high Nepalese mountain, accompanied by other former Special Forces soldiers and Royal Marines Commandos. The group climbed the mountain to honour the many British service personnel who have given their lives in conflict and in support of the Royal British Legion. Ollie Ollerton has been supported by Davanti Tyres’ all-terrain tyre – the Terratoura – during his training in the run-up to the expedition.
Adam Hearne, an off-road driving instructor with over 20 years of qualified experience, tells Tyres & Accessories that he has been hugely impressed with the Falken Wildpeak M/T tyre since trialling the Japanese brand on an off-road vehicle for the first time this year.
What do you get when you pair the durability, performance and reliable handling of Davanti’s Terratoura with ex Special Forces soldier and TV personality Ollie Ollerton? The answer: An epic challenge where adventure beckons.
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