Nokian Tyres Expands its Tire Portfolio
Unites
States:
Nokian Tyres P.L.C is poised to launch a new all-season ultra-high-performance
tire line, under the name “zLine A/S” for the North American market as part of
its strategy to cater to a broader customer base.
The new tire line would be launched
in early 2017 with 25 sizes with rim diameters ranging from 16 - 20 inch in W
category (rated up to 168 mph) for both SUVs and passenger cars. The company
claims that the new tires would provide excellent fuel saving benefits and
mileage.
“The new Nokian zLine A/S
immediately responds to steering, which is an essential requirement for safe
operation at the extreme limits,” said Olli Seppälä, product development
manager for Nokian Tyres. He further states, “In addition to the precise
handling, these advances in technology also manifest themselves in the
commendable driving comfort and durability of the tire”.
Few of the characteristics of
the new tire include, a stiffer outside shoulder which stabilizes handling of
the tread pattern on wet roads especially during hydroplaning, improved
handling due to 3D siping which binds the tread blocks together, a “Clinch
Rubber Compound” for the bead area which minimizes the interior noises by
damping the tire body vibrations, a light however, hard structure backed by a
high-tensile steel-belt structure, improved durability and handling due to
efficient cooling of the hottest parts of the tire due to the “Cooling Edge”
technology.
Furthermore, the SUV version
has an even stiffer tread compound than the passenger car model which makes the
handling further balanced. The service life of the tire is also improved by the
Nokian’s aramid sidewall technology which reduces the common sidewall damage
for SUV drivers.
According to a recent report
published by TechSci Research, “United
States Tyre Market Forecast &
Opportunities, 2020’’, the
country’s automotive industry is the second largest market across the world,
with a motorization rate (including passenger cars and commercial vehicles) of over
790 vehicles per 1,000 individuals, in 2014. Increasing disposable income due
to strengthening US Dollar, falling oil and food prices, and rising standard of
living, are resulting in an increase in production and sales of vehicles in the
US.
As per TechSci Research, with
the introduction of new ultra-high performance tire line, Nokian Tyres would
cater a huge chunk of customer base, as majority share in the United States
tire market is grabbed by the passenger car segment. Also, the company is
expected to further enhance its sales in the United States tire market, by
targeting the large segment of customer base in the country.