Yokohama Tire Corp. will roll out a trio of new commercial tyres at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
The 902L and 709L ultra wide base drive tyres will be on display and a new coach/bus tyre, the 104ZR Spec-2, will be unveiled.
“The theme of our booth at Mid-America was ‘Defining the Future,’” said Rick Phillips, Yokohama senior director, commercial and OTR sales. “New products like those we introduced at the show will play a big part in our future, especially with the October 2015 opening of our new commercial tyre plant in Mississippi.”
Ultra wide base (UWB) tyres such as the 902L and 709L are part of YTC’s long-term plan, according to Phillips.
“We’re seeing more of a demand for them because of the weight savings, which is where fleets can find an immediate benefit. It’s something tangible – they can measure and calculate savings.
“The 902L long-haul/regional ultra wide base drive tyre delivers superior traction and high mileage and its tread design makes a real difference in extreme driving conditions, such as in snow and ice.”
The 902L comes in size 445/50R22.5.
Highlights include:
• A 27/32 tread depth that creates higher traction while providing extra-long treadlife.
• An advanced rubber compound that lowers rolling resistance and reduces heat build-up, which boosts fuel economy.
• Seven circumferential grooves that enhance lateral stability and create long wear with an even footprint.
• A zero-degree mid belt that provides weight distribution for even pressure and increased treadlife.
• A specially-engineered small block and sipe combo that reduce heel-toe wear, increase fuel economy and provide high snow traction.
“The 709L will be available at the end of the year in size 445/50R22.5,” said Phillips. “It’s built for long wear and fuel efficiency, thanks to its advanced rubber compound. Plus, its special casing enhances durability for retreading.”
The 709L on-highway ultra wide base drive tyre features:
• Seven serpentine grooves that reduce tread movement, add rigidity and decrease rolling resistance.
• Double Z blocks that increase rigidity to prevent heel-toe wear for a long-, even-lasting tyre life while increasing wet and snow traction.
• A 24/32 tread depth that decreases tread block movement for stability, low rolling resistance and increased fuel efficiency.
• A zero-degree mid belt that provides even pressure and weight distribution for increased treadlife and an even footprint.
Yokohama Tire Corp. is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tyres since 1917.
Source: The Trucker
Published: 14 Mar 2014