“For this segment,…you're getting low-profile tires, and they're uncomfortable,” Mr. Cichi said. “So we're saying we're going to offer you the performance. We're going to offer you the comfort. And we're going to offer you the mileage.
“So three characteristics that are usually not offered in a UHP summer tire.”
Steven Carpino, vice president, research and development FOR PTNA, said the biggest difference consumers will notice between the new tire and its competitors is the treadwear.
The tire will be distributed primarily in key markets, especially Florida and California, where the largest share of the targeted segment exists, Mr. Cichi said.
“We have to be realistic,” he said. “Obviously, we offer it to all the customers, but I'm sure that there's going to be a little bit of pushback in Michigan because they're going to say, ‘Either it's an all-season or a winter. We don't want a summer tire for whatever reason.' Then they may sell them for special obligations.”
