Yokohama targeting pickup/SUV and CUV markets with Geolandar X-AT, X-CV

HENDERSON, Nev. — Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) is making a serious pitch for the pickup truck/Jeep/SUV and CUV crowds with a pair of new tires in the Geolandar product line, the X-AT extreme all-terrain and X-CV crossover/luxury SUV tire.

Designed for pickup trucks, Jeeps and SUVs, the X-AT goes on sale July 1 with 27 sizes planned, covering rim diameters of 15 to 22 inches, including some Load Range F SKUs for heavier carrying capacities, YTC said.

The Geolandar X-AT offers "ultimate" off-road performance without sacrificing on-road comfort, according to Bob Abram, senior manager of product, making it a solid performance upgrade for a variety of pick-up trucks and SUVs regardless of where or how they're driven.

YTC is backing the X-AT with a 45,000-mile limited treadwear warranty has designed the tire with a dual sidewall design, which allows the consumer to choose the appearance they like better.

"With the GEOLANDAR X-AT, Yokohama now has one of the most complete light truck tire lineups in the market."

Other features include:

• Off-road traction is enhanced by large "dynamic" shoulder blocks that are varied in length to create a biting edge and promote mud- and stone-ejection, along with angular center blocks for extra strength and grip.
• Off-road durability and improved puncture resistance are assured thanks to Yokohama's Geo-Shield technology, which features multiple sidewall plies, a high turn-up carcass and a full nylon cap.
• Long tread life thanks to Yokohama's HD2 compound comprising a triple-polymer blend engineered for cut- and chip-resistance and extended life.
• A quiet, comfortable ride thanks to zig-zag tread grooves that interrupt airflow to limit pattern and road noise.

For the CUV/luxury SUV segment, YTC is offering the Geolandar X-CV in 23 W-speed-rated sizes, covering nearly all 18- to 22-inch rim diameter luxury SUV/crossover fitments, running 255/55R18 to 275/40R22. The tire is on sale in the U.S.

The X-CV is built for long-lasting, powerful all-season traction and braking, Mr. Abram said, combing luxury and performance attributes into one product.

Features include:

• an asymmetric tread pattern coupled with 2D and 3D sipes for reliable, short-stopping distance in wet and wintery conditions;
• long-lasting tread life derived from a wide, flat construction profile that provides a rectangular contact patch which distributes stresses evenly for long, even wear;
• einforced shoulder and two centers rib for "enhanced" stability and dry handling; and
• a staggered tread pattern in a five-block sequence for reduced pattern and road noise.

It's backed by a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty is offered with YTC's 30-day "Satisfaction Guaranteed" trial period.

YTC did not provide pricing information for either tire. Both tires are built in Yokohama plants in Japan.