ROME, Ga. — Prometeon Tyre Group Commercial Solutions L.L.C. has launched a Pirelli-brand regional-application truck tire series designed specifically for North American conditions, and plans to add a complementary Tier 2 brand as well before year-end.
The new R89 line debuts in drive- (open- and closed-shoulder) and steer-axle applications after undergoing "extensive" testing throughout the U.S. and Canada, Prometeon said.
The new line launches in eight steer-axle sizes, six open-shoulder drive-axle sizes and three closed-should drive-axle sizes, with additional sizes in preparation, Prometeon said.
"The R89 series is the new milestone of our product strategy developed specifically for the North American market, delivering premium Tier 1 tire performance and excellent operational savings, … " Aleksandar Gramatikov, CEO North America for Prometeon Tyre, said.
The Rome-based subsidiary of Milan-based Prometeon Tyre S.r.l., said it's planning to add more 17.5-, 19.5- and 22.5-inch rim diameter sizes before year-end to the R89 series, as well as add mixed-service SKUs in 22.5-inch sizes.
Among the R89 series' key features are:
- Tire construction and tread profile designed to deliver even wear and long tread life;
- An "innovative" tread compound that withstands high-scrub conditions associated with regional operations, achieving even wear, long tread life and fuel savings;
- "Innovative" tread patterns and profiles designed to help prevent impact damage, allowing a uniform distribution of load and torque (for drive) and precise handling (for steer); and
- Use of Pirelli's patented Spiral Advanced Technology for Truck (SATT) combined with Hexa Bead Wire for enhanced retreadability.
In addition to the launch of the R89 series, Prometeon plans to introduce a dedicated Tier 2 product in North America in three standard sizes — 295/75R22.5, 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 — for both steer and drive positions as part of a multi-tier product strategy, according to Mr. Gramatikov.
Mr. Gramatikov, who was hired by Prometeon nine months ago, spent seven-plus years with Pirelli & C. S.p.A. as an executive in various Southeast Asian postings.
Last year, Prometeon Tyre Group moved its North American headquarters to Rome from San Diego, where it had established itself in 2017. The move coincided with the firm's more rapid business expansion on the East Coast, a spokesman said.
Despite being in Rome, Prometeon is a separate company from Pirelli Tire North America, also headquartered in Rome.
Prometeon Tyre Group was created to oversee the bundling of Pirelli's industrial tire business with commercial tire assets of China National Chemical Corp. (ChemChina) in the wake of ChemChina's acquisition of Pirelli and the company's decision to separate Pirelli's consumer and commercial businesses.