DALLAS—Tire dealers will see a broad offering of new tires from Goodyear in 1999 including the next generation Regatta 2 all-season touring tire and the G397 LHS medium truck steer radial featuring an improved casing design. Goodyear officials discussed the new tires, including additional run-flat sizes, during its series of regional dealer meetings in January.
The tire maker also announced it has approved a second low-pressure tire monitoring system for use with its run-flat offerings.
The Regatta 2 is the newest member of the Integrity family of all-season radial tires and will replace the Regatta Touring tire that was introduced in 1993.
The new version comes with a 75,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, an improvement over the 60,000 mile warranty offered on the previous version.
The tire features a wider, flatter tread that improves wear and durability and gives an aggressive appearance on the road, Goodyear said.
The tread employs four wide circumferential grooves that the company said increases wet traction by 7 percent and improves hydroplaning resistance by 17 percent compared to the Regatta.
Goodyear will offer the tire in 24 whitewall and blackwall sizes and target it at value shoppers. Initial sizes will be available in April.
This spring, Goodyear will introduce the G397 LHS radial steer tire, which features a new casing design supported by a belt package fortified with supertensile steel and a wear-resistant tread compound.
``We've completely rethought the way a steer tire should be designed,'' said Mike Thomann, marketing director for commercial tires. ``From the ground up, we've applied a new philosophy of tire design to produce a steer tire that will satisfy the performance demands of an increasingly dynamic trucking industry.''
The new steer tire is constructed with a polyamide top belt that provides a protective barrier against moisture, punctures and tears and also increases retreadability, the company said.
In testing, the tire provides better miles-to-removal, improved handling and enhanced durability, Mr. Thomann said.
Fleets will have access to the tire starting in the spring.
The tire maker's run-flat lineup also will get a boost in 1999 with several new sizes.
In addition, to enhance sales of its fledgling run-flat lines, Goodyear has approved the use of a second low-pressure-monitor system, this one made by Schrader Bridgeport International, and is offering incentives to dealers.
These include providing a free pressure-monitoring system with the purchase of four run-flat tires and cash incentives to sales people.
Goodyear also will target a direct-mail campaign at high-potential, prospective run-flat buyers ``in each of our certified installers' trade areas,'' said Bob Toth, marketing manager for high performance tires.
Goodyear will expand its run-flat offerings with three additional H-rated Eagle Aquasteel EMT sizes—205/55R16, 195/65R15 and 205/ 65R15—available by March.
Other new tires announced at the meeting include:
The IT 323 skid steer tire available in May that features a flatter design and more rubber in the center of the tire for durability;
The RL5K radial rear loader tire, size 45/65R45, built with a ``super extra tread'' that is capable of carrying heavy loads without sacrificing comfort;
The company's first radial all-season grader tire designed for use in dry and muddy conditions;
The G164 RTD traction drive tire for use on regional delivery vehicles such as UPS and Fed-Ex trucks.
An additional size in the Ultratorque R-1 radial farm tire line.