CYPRESS, Calif. — Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is adding a premium version of its Proxes S/T line, the Proxes ST III, targeted at owners of upscale sport trucks and SUVs looking to boost their vehicles' appearance and performance.
The ST III features a directional, arrowhead-shaped tread design and comes in 45 sizes in 17- to 24-inch rim diameters, ranging from 225/65R17 up to 305/35R24, with the widest fitment at 335/25R22.
The ST III will replace the existing ST II line, Toyo said, as the line's performance-oriented offering. The S/T line will continue as the base offering.
"The Proxes S/T helped establish the sport truck and SUV trend," said Randy Gaetz, senior vice president of sales, "which has since been embraced by vehicle manufacturers and custom builders. Both the design and compound technology found in the Proxes ST III help to make it the new standard in that segment."
The new tire's wider tread and silica-based tread compound help the Proxes ST III stop up to six feet shorter in wet conditions than the predecessor model, while delivering all-season performance, consistent wear and a smooth, quiet ride.
It's backed by a 40,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and Toyo's "No Regrets 500 Mile or 45 Day Trial."
The size range covers more than 70 percent of the segment volume, Toyo said, providing dealers a single-product solution for the all-season sport truck and SUV segment.
The target buyer for the Proxes ST III is a vehicle owner who places a large emphasis on style and high performance, Toyo said. Among the vehicles Toyo is targeting with the ST III are: Audi Q7; BMW X3/X5; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Tahoe; Infiniti QX60; Lexus NX; and Range Rover Sport.
Toyo said the product will be priced "competitively" among top-tier competitors.