With combined SUV and 4×4 utility sales now representing over 40 per cent of all passenger vehicles sold in Australia, demand for all-terrain tyres is booming.
In response, Toyo Tires is rolling out its new Open Country A/T II – a state-of-the-art all-terrain tyre suitable for a wide range of off-road capable utilities and wagons.
The new tyre boasts significantly longer tread life than its durable predecessor, the Open Country A/T, and independent testing in the United States found it achieved 40 per cent more mileage than a leading competitor.
The secret to Open Country A/T II’s tread life is an innovative compound featuring a new anti-wear polymer and smaller carbon particles, which bond more strongly to improve wear resistance.
The tread profile has been optimised for better contact pressure distribution to reduce uneven wear, while tie bars between the outer blocks help resist shoulder wear.
Open Country A/T II has two layers of joint-less spiral cap ply for improved puncture-resistance, while thicker rubber on the upper sidewalls improves bruise resistance.
The tread pattern is more aggressive, featuring distinctive staggered and scalloped shoulder buttresses for better off-road bite.
Fringed edges on the tread blocks aid initial traction, and wide grooves between the blocks improve mud performance and stone ejection.
Toyo Tyres Australia marketing manager José Angeles believes Open Country A/T II will appeal to a wide cross-section of customers – particularly those driving more rugged SUVs and 4×4 utes.
“These motorists want a tyre that meets their needs seven days a week – on the work site or the highway during the week, as well as on the beach or in the bush on the weekend,” said Mr Angeles.
“Considering its versatility, long mileage and toughness, Open Country A/T II offers consumers great value for money.”
While favouring off-road performance with the new tyre, Toyo hasn’t compromised on-road performance.
Objective comparison of the new Open Country all-terrain tyre versus the old reveals better wet handling and braking and class-leading improvements in dry braking, handling and stability.
The distribution of the variable-pitch blocks has been optimised for lower on-road noise.
Open Country A/T II is available now in popular sizes, and the range will be expanded to 31 sizes – most available in a light-truck construction.