LAS VEGAS — Pirelli Tire North America is adding an all-terrain version to its Scorpion light truck tire line that was developed specifically for the North American replacement market.
Pirelli originally signaled its intention to add this product, the Scorpion All Terrain Plus, 18 months ago at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, saying at that time it was looking to grab a larger share of the light truck/SUV tire market in North America.
The Scorpion All Terrain Plus features an aggressive tread design and a tread compound designed to maximize driving performance in demanding on- and off-road conditions, Pirelli told dealers attending a product launch in Las Vegas.
The new tire, available in a range of 16- to 20-inch rim diameter sizes, carries the industry's "Three Peaks" snowflake designation, indicating its suitability for winter conditions. The majority of the product line is available to order in the most popular sizes, with the full product range available by the third quarter.
The Scorpion A/T Plus fits into Pirelli's "high-value" strategy that focuses on the personalization of products and services, based on customer needs and supported by the search for innovative technological solutions, Marco Crola, Pirelli's CEO for NAFTA, told those attending the launch.
This approach has led to cutting-edge products and technologies such as Connesso, Cyber Car, Color Edition, run-flat, Noise Canceling System and self-sealing, he noted.
Among the Scorpion A/T Plus' features are:
- an aggressive tread pattern and upper sidewall design;
- tread compound optimized for durability, traction and wear, while also offering chipping resistance and snow traction;
- deep tread grooves with conical stone ejectors to enhance mud and snow traction; and
- 50,000-mile treadwear warranty for all sizes.
Pirelli did not discuss pricing for the new range.
