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October 18, 2019 11:11 AM

Federal adds to light truck lineup, launches Xplora R/T

Don Detore
[email protected]
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    Taiwan's Federal Corp. is rolling out the Xplora R/T, a rugged-terrarin product that is designed to appeal to another segment of light-truck customers.

    BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — In its continuing quest to offer the most complete light-truck tire lineup in the market, Taiwan's Federal Corp. is rolling out the Xplora R/T, a rugged-terrarin product that is designed to appeal to another segment of light-truck customers.

    According to Federal officials, the Xplora R/T offers the look of a mud-terrain tire while also offering a quiet, comfortable ride and an aesthetically pleasing sidewall.

    The Xplora R/T, one of eight products in the Xplora line that either are in the market or soon will be, was unveiled this week during a ride-and-drive event held at Big Bear Lake. Around 80 people, including 54 dealers and distributors from the U.S. and Canada, attended the event.

    "This R/T market is here to answer the majority of consumers who are looking for that look, that sidewall aesthetics, the good strong traction, but with lower noise levels and a little more riding comfort than MT market," Steve Hutchinson, an adviser to Federal Chairman Jamie Ma, said.

    "With the growth of the light-truck market, we see a lot of interest in R/T tire."

    The Xplora R/T's features include:

    • Optimized tread-pitch variation, with tread sipes and tread blocks that Federal said reduce noise and provide a more comfortable, smooth, quiet ride;
    • Stone ejectors that prevent stone retention and thus premature wear and failure;
    • A fatigue-resistant tread compound that protects the tire from chips, cuts, rocks and other debris, adding longevity to the product;
    • Open-shoulder grooves that help the tire evacuate water, mud and off-road debris while providing outstanding traction; and
    • Linear tread blocks that enhance on-road straight-line stability for improved handling and comfort.
    Hutchinson

    Steve Hutchinson, an adviser to Federal Chairman Jamie Ma, speaks about Federal’s new Xplora R/T at Big Bear Lake, Calif.

    In addition, the product has an impact-resistant, extra strong treadwall — shaped like double "L's" — that provides off-road traction and helps prevent cuts and chips.

    Mr. Hutchinson said independent tests found that the tire compared favorably with an industry-leading competitor in wet braking, wet handling, noise, dry braking and dry handling.

    Initially, five Q-rated sizes are available in 17-, 18- and 20-inch rim diameters. Eventually, Federal plans to add 10 more sizes covering 15-to 20-inch rim diameters. Mr. Ma said 22-inch offerings may be added as well.

    Targeted vehicle applications include the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado series; Ford F series; GMC Canyon/Sierra series; Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee/Wrangler series; Ram pickup; Nissan Frontier/Titan; and the Toyota Tacoma/Tundra.

    "Federal uses our heart, our time and our research to cover the most complete light truck lineup to cover every person we can think of in the market," Mr. Ma said.

    The tire will be produced in Taiwan and priced in the range of $280-$300, or "25% to 30%" less than competitors, Federal said.

    The tire comes nine months after the Taiwan-based tire maker launched the Xplora MTS, a hybrid product that is a cross between a mud-terrain tire and a directional, ultra-high-performance tire.

    Mr. Hutchinson said Federal is in the process of replacing its Couragia line with the Xplora line.

    The next tire to be launched will be the Xplora A/T, which will be unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA) Nov. 5-8 in Las Vegas.

    Production of the Xplora A/T will start next spring and summer, with the product be available by year-end 2020.

    Two on-road light truck products, the Xplora F/X and the Xplora XUV, are also slated for production in the the future.

    " Federal is always about innovation," Mr. Ma told dealers. "We want to deliver something unique so you can off sell different to your customers."

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    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

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