Volkswagen specs Giti all-season tire OE on 2018 Tiguan SUV

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Volkswagen of America Inc. has spec'd a 17-inch version of the Giti Comfort XA1 as an OE fitment on the 2018 Tiguan SUV sold in North America.

"Gaining an OE fitment with such a prestigious auto maker is an important step forward for the Giti brand in North America," David Dobradenka, senior manager, OE North America, for Giti Tire (USA), Ltd., said.

"We are thrilled that such a high-profile model for Volkswagen will be riding on Giti tires."

VW will use the tire in size 215/65R17, which it lists as the standard fitment size for the Tiguan.

VWoA assembles the four-door, seven-passenger SUV at its plant in Puebla, Mexico. The 2018 Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2-liter TSI inline four cylinder generating 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

It also is equipped with an eight-speed automatic that routes power to the available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with four driving modes for various terrains.

The Comfort XA1 is Giti's new premium all-season tire specifically designed for crossover vehicles. With a focus on ride comfort, low noise and crisp handling, it features Giti's "Binary Resin Traction System" for performance in snow and wet conditions.

Giti produces the Comfort XA1 at its plant in Anhui, China, but anticipates producing it in the U.S. as well in the future.

This is Giti's second OE contract with Volkswagen. In June 2017 Giti announced an OE fitment with its ComfortA1 on the Passat, which is assembled at VW's plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.