Kenda launches Klever S/T in 6 sizes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 2, 2015) — Kenda Tire U.S.A. Inc. will start shipping the first six sizes of its all-season Klever S/T KR52 sport-utility vehicle tires in June, with 24 additional sizes in development for shipment later in 2015/early in 2016.

Kenda said the Klever Klever S/T is directed at owners of SUVs/CUVs and comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty and mud-and-snow all-season capabilities. It is offered in T, H or V speed ratings, depending on size.

Announced at Kenda's national dealer meeting in Las Vegas last November, the  Klever S/T features an asymmetrical tread design, four lateral tread grooves for hydroplaning resistance and wet traction improvement and a five-pitch pattern sequence for reduced noise generation.

The KR52 is intended to replace the KR15 in the Klever lineup, Kenda said, and offers a measurable improvement in snow traction.

The sizes available starting June 1 are: P265/65R17 110T; P235/65R18 106T; P235/65R17 108V; P235/65R17 108T; P225/65R17 102H; and P235/60R18 107V. The launch was delayed by a few months due to capacity concerns, Kenda said.

These sizes fit a range of targeted vehicles, according to Kenda, including: Cadillac SRX; Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Grand Caravan and Nitro; Ford Edge, Escape, Explorer and Flex; Honda CRV and Odyssey; Hyundai Santa Fe; Jeep Liberty; Mazda CX-7; Mitsubishi Endeavor; Mercury Mountaineer; Nissan Murano; Porsche Cayenne; Toyota RAV4 and Tacoma; and Volvo XC60 and XC90.

Columbus-based Kenda Tire U.S.A. is a subsidiary of Taiwan's Kenda Rubber Industrial Co. Ltd.