Toyo takes temp with new 'variable conditions' tire

CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2015) — Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has introduced a “variable conditions” tire to address the concerns of drivers who need the attributes of winter tires during occasional heavy snowfall but don't want to incur the expense of buying, installing and storing winter tires.

The new Toyo Celsius is positioned between an all-season tire and a winter tire, with a tread design that provides better ice and snow traction than a typical all-season tire and longer tread life than a winter tire, according to the Cypress-based tire maker.

Toyo said the tire is not meant to move people away from buying winter tires in areas where they are necessary. Celsius is for drivers who typically drive all winter on all-season tires but need the added safety winter tires provide in certain conditions — such as icy or slushy roads or sudden snow storms.

Third-party testing found that the new Celsius tire stops up to 31 feet shorter on snow and 8 feet shorter on ice than a typical all-season tire, Toyo said, and has enhanced performance on wet and dry roads. The tire carries a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty.

“Toyo Celsius is an upgrade for anyone expecting, or not expecting, to drive in ice and snow this winter on all-season tires,” said Roy Bromfield, COO of Toyo Tire U.S.A.

“The convenience and safety of Celsius is a tremendous benefit in today's busy world and answers the demand for hassle-free, one-stop solutions.”

Even though the tire features the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol for winter driving conditions, it can be driven year round, Toyo said. The inner tread pattern is designed for winter driving conditions while the outer tread is designed for all season conditions.

Celsius is specifically designed for the North American market and for now is only available in the U.S., company officials said.

The improved winter traction is accomplished through several tread design features, including:

• Higher sipe density on the inside tread to provide more biting edges for increased traction on ice and snow;
• Snow claws to improve deep snow traction; and
• Slush grooves that evacuate slush for increased traction on slush and snow.

The tread is designed for variable conditions for the life of the tire, Toyo said.

Celsius also delivers an improved all-season performance, Toyo said, thanks to several design features, including:

• An asymmetric, variable tread design;
• A lower sipe density on the outside tread that is optimized for enhanced grip and traction on wet and dry roads;
• Snow claws that increase block rigidity for improved ice and wet traction; and
• Multi-wave sipes that improve braking on icy, wet and dry roads, and also help to minimize irregular wear for a smooth, quiet ride.

Celsius offers the same tread pattern for its passenger and CUV lines. The tire is available in 22 passenger sizes ranging from 14- to 17-inch rim diameters in S-, T- and H-speed ratings, and 24 sizes for crossovers, in 17- to 20-inch diameters with H- and V-speed ratings.

All Celsius tires come with a UTQG rating of A for wet traction and are backed by Toyo's “No Regrets 45-Day, 500-Mile Trial” offer.

The Celsius line is the first Toyo tire to feature alignment indicators molded into tread blocks at intervals around both the inside and outside of the tire, helping owners and tire dealers detect vehicle alignment issues. The tire also features wear bar indicators in the tread.

Toyo is producing the Celsius line at its plants in Georgia and Malaysia. The line is priced higher than all-season tires but less than some winter tire lines, according to company.

The tire maker said it is planning to launch consumer marketing in mid September to promote Celsius' “convenience and safety.” The marketing will include radio, TV, Internet and print advertising as well as point-of-sale materials in tire dealerships.

Toyo also is revamping its online training program for dealers and their employees in August that will include a module on the Celsius tire line.

To reach this reporter: [email protected]; 330-865-6127; Twitter: @kmccarr