Falken, Yokohama get Jeep OE fitments

AKRON (March 13, 2017) — FCA Group has selected tires from Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA) and Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) as OE fitments on selected versions of the 2017 Jeep Compass, the car maker's compact four-wheel-drive, four-door hatchback.

FCA has chosen SRNA's Falken Wildpeak H/T 01A2 as an OE fitment on the "trail-rated" Compass Trailhawk and the all-season Yokohama Geolandar G055 as a fitment on the Compass's Latitude and Limited versions.

The Falken fitment, in size 215/65R17, is the second fitment for the Wildpeak H/T 01A2 on a 2017 Jeep, according to Sumitomo Rubber North America (SRNA), producer and marketer of the Falken brand. FCA also specs the tire for the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Rick Brennan, vice president of marketing for SRNA/Falken Tires, called the Wildpeak a "natural fit" for the Jeep Compass, noting its shoulder designed for optimal handling on multiple surfaces.

"Falken Tires specializes in tires made for on-and-off road exploration, which is a lifestyle that Jeep fully embraces in all their vehicles," Mr. Brennan said. "We're excited to continue and expand upon this partnership."

The 2017 Compass Trailhawk is equipped Jeep's Active Drive Low 4x4 20:1 crawl ratio; Selec-Terrain transmission; increased ride height of almost one inch, skid plates and Jeep signature red front and rear tow hooks; hill-descent control; and towing capability of up to 2,000 pounds.

Yokohama's fitment, size 225/55R18 98H, covers models being sold in North America.

"This selection was made after many years of testing and validation to provide a tire that meets the exacting specifications for FCA U.S.," said Andrew Zeisser, director of OE sales for YTC.

Among the tire's features are: transition grooves with notch sipes that together create biting edges while maintaining tread block rigidity for improved mileage and handling; circumferential zigzag grooves to resist hydroplaning; and an integrated shoulder and full nylon cover to resist irregular wear.

FCA is assembling the Compass at plants in Brazil, China, Mexico and India.