GRAPEVINE, Texas—Goodyear announced a complete revamp of its Kelly economy tire line, along with additions to its Dunlop-brand consumer and Goodyear-brand commercial truck lines during its annual dealer conference Jan. 25-27 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine.
The new tires are as follows:
The Akron-based tire maker is simplifying its economy tier offerings with the launch of the Kelly Edge A/S and AT, a power line that will cover the performance touring, passenger, CUV, SUV and all-terrain segments.
Goodyear said the lineup will feature 87 sizes covering 89 percent of the economy tier segment. According to the firm, the broad size coverage in a single line will help retailers reduce their inventory.
The Kelly Edge A/S will be offered in 51 T-, H- and V-rated sizes, with rim diameters ranging from 14 to 18 inches.
The line, which replaces the Kelly Charger GT, Kelly Safari Signature and Kelly Explorer Plus models, will begin shipping in 20 sizes in March, with another 20 sizes expected to launch during the second quarter. The final 11 sizes will be available by year-end, Goodyear said.
Features of the tire include biting tread block edges for all-season traction, broad tread grooves for water/slush evacuation and sturdy tread blocks for stabilization and durability, Goodyear said. The tire will include a 55,000-mile/85,000-kilometer limited treadwear warranty.
The Kelly Edge AT, which replaces the Kelly Safari ATR, will be offered in 36 sizes ranging from 15- to 20-inches in rim diameter. Goodyear said 23 sizes will be offered during the third quarter of 2015, with the remaining sizes coming in the back half of 2016.
Features of the Edge AT include flared tread block edges to help shovel away mud, dirt and gravel for off-road traction. The tire includes a 50,000-mile/80,000-kilometer treadwear warranty.
The new Dunlop Signature HP performance all-season tire will be available in 30 V- and W-rated sizes, with rim diameters from 16 to 19 inches. According to Goodyear, 13 of these sizes were not offered in the tire model it replaces, the Dunlop SP Sport Signature.
Goodyear will roll out 28 sizes in March with the final two coming in April.
The tire includes a 45,000-mile/75,000-kilometer limited tread life warranty. Features of the new line include an asymmetric tread design for all-season handling; circumferential grooves to help channel away water, slush and snow; an innovative blade pattern for long-lasting traction and enhanced turning in winter conditions; contoured edges to reduce noise and enhance tread life; and a rim guard to help protect wheels from curb damage.
“The Dunlop Signature HP is a perfect choice for drivers who want both power and control at their fingertips,” said Julie Manson, Dunlop performance brand manager. “With its stylish design and all-season performance, drivers can confidently experience the thrill of the road any time of the year.”
Goodyear is expanding the Fuel Max line of fuel-efficient truck tires it debuted in October with the Fuel Max LHD G505D long-haul drive tire, announcing the SmartWay-verified Fuel Max LHS long-haul steer tire.
The Fuel Max LHS, available this month, combined with the LHD G505D makes for “the most fuel-efficient long-haul tire combination in North America,” according to Brian Buckham, general manager, product marketing, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems (CTS).
According to Goodyear, the tire combination helps fleet operators save $1,300 on average in fuel per truck per year, compared with the combination of the Michelin X Line Energy D and Michelin SZA3+ Evertread; $560 worth of fuel per truck per year compared with the combination of the Bridgestone M710 Ecopia and Bridgestone R283 Ecopia; or $460 in fuel per truck per year compared with the combination of the Continental EcoPlus HD3 and Continental HSL2 Eco Plus.
Features of the LHS include a multi-layered tread compound to promote even wear and long mileage; penetration protectors to prevent stone drilling and enhance casing retreadability; and a steel belt and casing package for enhanced toughness and endurance.
“We know that fuel is a long-haul fleet's No. 1 expense,” said Gary Medalis, director of marketing, Goodyear CTS. “If you're a fleet, the quickest way to reduce your operating costs is to reduce your fuel consumption. That's exactly what our Fuel Max LHD G505D/Fuel Max LHS combination is designed to do, while at the same time delivering other benefits that are important to long haul fleets.”
Goodyear will complete the Fuel Max line in the fourth quarter with the launch of the Fuel Max LHT (long-haul trailer) and RSA (regional steer) tires. The company also will offer corresponding retread patterns for each of its new truck tires.