CORAL GABLES, Fla. — U.S. importer and distributor Moncar Inc. is launching a pair of Starlux-branded all-position truck tires in 17.5- and 19.5-inch rim diameter sizes.
The tires will be part of Starlux's S202 lineup, available in sizes 215/75R17.5; 235/75R17.5; 245/70R17.5; 225/70R19.5; and 245/70R19.5, with several ply ratings available.
The tires, produced in Pakistan by a subsidiary of China's Chaoyang Long March Tyre Co. Ltd., have a wide footprint and have proved to be economical in cost per mile, according to Charles Salas, Moncar owner and president and a tire industry distribution veteran.
The tires can be retreaded up to three times, and the company offers a lifetime warranty.
Coral Gables-based Moncar struck a deal in lated 2022 with Long March for the distribution of the Starlux-brand radial truck/bus tires.
"Long March continues to be our preferred partner; they understand our vision of quality meets value and are instrumental in making it a reality," according to Jose Luis Arellano, chairman of Mexico's Avante Group, a producer and distributor of tires and custom wheels under the Avante and Emotion brands.
Avante is partnering with Moncar on the Starlux deal. It has a relationship with Long March throughout Latin America.
"We reassert that this is the best truck tire value in the market," Arellano said.
Salas and Arrelano said they faced several challenges in the first year of importing the Starlux brand, particularly the fluctuation of freight prices from Asia.
"Startups are always tricky in terms of timing and other factors beyond one's control," Salas said.
"Nevertheless, we are proud and excited that the market has responded positively to the quality of Starlux and the respect the ... new state-of-art Long March factory in Pakistan bring to the table."
Emotion markets Long March's brand Supercargo throughout Latin America.
Salas said a Starlux drive model tire will be released in January.
He said the Long March factory is working on other sizes as well as testing new compounds and tread patterns
"We've encountered the same obstacles this year as everyone industrywide, nevertheless, we are happy with the positive feedback from our distributors and look forward to Starlux's continuing growth based on the product's results and our eagerness to satisfy our distributors with better quality and broader range of products," he said.
Salas said the truck/bus tire market remains a challenge.
"Inventories are just beginning to normalize but recent news regarding Thailand and potential (antidumping/countervailing duties) could create a frenzy from suppliers trying to get tires stateside before tariffs are levied."
Still, he said, if the events are resolved in the company's favor, "and coupled with our attractive program and a quality tire, we expect positive results for 2024."
