TAIPEI, Taiwan (April 25, 2013) — Kenda Rubber Co. Ltd. has unveiled the Kenda KR 30, a "green energy" touring tire that the Taiwanese tire maker said offers reduced noise generation and lowered fuel consumption and more "streamlined" driving.
The tires are made in Taiwan and are available to order in 27 sizes ranging from 195/65R15 to 275/55R20. Eric Yang, automotive tire marketing manager for American Kenda Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd., said the tire is being called Vezda Eco Tire domestically in Asia and has been selling nationwide to customers since Q1.
"We're really excited about all the new technology the tire contains and our customers who have purchased the tire have also seen the benefits," Mr. Yang said. "The size range and higher speed rating really separate the tire from other eco tires and we really feel that our tire gives the best bang for the buck."
Kenda Director James Lo presented the KR 30 during a recent appreciation dinner in Taipei for the company's best-performing dealers, hosted by Varga Trading Co. L.L.C. He said the beneficial aspects of the tires include energy conservation and carbon reduction capabilities, along with a low noise feature, unique tread pattern design and improved handling performance.
"Our tire has reduced CO2 emission by as much as 20g/km with its unique material technology to help protect the environment," Mr. Lo claimed. "It stands for a total reduction of six tons of CO2 throughout the car's lifecycle, equivalent to the CO2 absorption by 500 trees a year."
Kenda said its engineers have optimized products by bringing a new-technology sidewall design that enhances rolling resistance as well as wet braking performance.
Features include:
- Rubberized components employed in the making of the tires are controlled, making an even compound that decreases friction in between carbon molecules, therefore lowering excessive heat production and enhancing rolling resistance and thus lowering fuel consumption, Kenda said;
- The tires have significantly minimized noise compared with Kenda's previous product KR 26; and
- The latest model can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3 percent and minimize emissions of CO2 by 30 to 40 g/km.
Kenda said Dr. Hongder Chang, Kenda's general manager, also spoke at the event, saying Kenda plans to build more factories and generate $2 billion in annual sales—nearly double the company's sales currently. He also assured that the company will still stick to its aspiration to bring the most innovative products to the global market.