Goodyear adds Marathon TBR lines

AKRON (May 10, 2016) — Goodyear is adding a mid-tier line to its medium truck tire portfolio under the “Marathon” name that previously was reserved for the tire maker's lines of specialty trailer tires.

Goodyear did not say where the Marathon line tires will be positioned vis-à-vis its Dunlop and/or Kelly brands, but did say the new tires — Marathon LHS, LHD and LHT for steer-, drive- and trailer-axle positions, respectively — will replace the Goodyear G395, G362 and G314 in its Goodyear-brand portfolio.

Goodyear is pitching the new tires as products designed to deliver longer tire life and improved fuel efficiency to long-haul fleet operations.

Produced at Goodyear plants in the U.S., the tires offer SmartWay-verified fuel efficiency and “a high degree of traction,” according to the company, as well as extended tire life to “help long-haul fleets go the distance.”

Moving forward, Goodyear said it intends to use the Marathon name for all Goodyear-brand mid-tier long-haul, regional and urban tires, regardless of wheel position.

Goodyear also uses the Marathon name for medium truck tires in Europe.

“Trusted products are a key element of the Goodyear Total Solution, which helps fleets lower their operating costs,” said Brian Buckham, general manager, product marketing for Goodyear, “and our new Marathon tires have been engineered to offer exactly that.”

 The Marathon LHS steer-axle tire features:

• Five-rib construction for uniform wear;

• Pressure distribution grooves to help promote even wear;

• Tread compounds designed to deliver SmartWay-verified fuel efficiency;

• 18/32-inch tread depth; and

• Lateral grooves and rib edge sipes to help enhance traction in all weather conditions.

The Marathon LHD drive-axle tire features:

• Goodyear “Tredlock” technology with interlocking micro-grooves to help stabilize the tread;

• Semi-solid shoulder ribs;

• Highly siped center rib and lateral grooves for all-season traction;

• 24/32-inch tread depth; and

• Tread compounds designed to deliver SmartWay-verified fuel efficiency.

The Marathon LHT trailer tire features:

• Casing construction to help enhance tire life, toughness and retreadability;

• 12/32-inch tread dept;

• Protective shoulder compound to help guard the outer tread from curb damage; and

• Fuel-saving compounds to help reduce energy loss and achieve SmartWay-verified performance.

The LHS is available in size 295/75R22.5 (load ranges G and H) and will be available in size 11R22.5 (load ranges G and H) in June and 285/75R24.5 (load range G) and 11R24.5 (load ranges G and H) in July, according to Goodyear.

The LHD is available in size 295/75R22.5 (load range G) and will be available in size 11R22.5 (load range G) in June and sizes 285/75R24.5 (load range G) and 11R24.5 (load ranges G and H) in December.

The LHT is available in size 295/75R22.5 (Load Range G) and will be available in size 11R22.5 (load range G) in June and sizes 285/75R24.5 (load range G) and 11R24.5 (load range G) in July.

Noting that “tires represent a significant investment, especially for budget-conscious fleets,” Mr. Buckham said Goodyear's “mid-tier Marathon long-haul tires offer more miles to removal and SmartWay-verified fuel efficiency, which will help long-haul fleets optimize their tire assets.”

All three tires come with a six-year limited casing warranty.