VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Tire retail business franchisor OK Tire Stores Inc. has secured exclusive rights throughout Canada for 10 years to the Blackhawk tire brand, which it said will enhance the franchise program's "mid-range" tire selection.
"We are thrilled to be Blackhawk's exclusive partner," OK Tire President and CEO Jim Caldwell said. "Blackhawk shares many of OK Tire's company values, making the partnership a natural fit.
"Our customers have high standards, and Blackhawk tires exceed those standards with their bold tread patterns and extensive use of complex rubber compounds."
The Blackhawk brand is owned and produced by China's Sailun Tire Group at its plants in China and Vietnam.
OK Tires said Blackhawk's "versatile" line-up provides options for Canadian drivers, from high-performance tires for sport coupes and sedans to the ideal tire for the everyday driver. The brand also includes a range of commercial truck tires for long-haul, regional or mixed-service applications.
"Understanding our customer's needs and meeting their expectation is why OK Tire has been Canadians' go-to-choice for auto and tire service for the last 68 years." Michael Rutherford, chief operating officer, said.
"Our customers come to us because they know our dealers are qualified to know what is best for their vehicle. Blackhawk tires give us another great option to meet our customers' needs, offering consumers affordable tires that are durable, safe, and reliable throughout all four Canadian seasons."
The Blackhawk portfolio includes:
- HH11 all-season touring tire, built for wet and dry terrains with a non-directional tread designed for "superior" road feel and handling;
- HU02 ultra-high-performance tire, developed for high-performance sport coupes and sedans that offer a smooth ride and superior braking ability;
- HA11 premium all-terrain tire, built with an advanced tread pattern and aggressive sidewall design that features an extra polyester ply for added strength, a rim protector, and severe winter service certification; and
- HT01 SUV and crossover tire, engineered to provide a comfortable driving experience with all-weather traction and a specially-formulated compound for an enhanced tread life.
"As an icon in the Canadian tire market, we're excited to partner with OK Tire and provide them exclusivity when it comes to selling and servicing our tires" said Mark Pereira, senior marketing manager, North America, at Sailun Tire Canada and for Blackhawk Tires.
He said the Blackhawk brand "is focused on delivering products that can withstand the distinctive Canadian climate."
Echoing the hallmarks of the common black hawk bird of prey, Blackhawk tires "are ready to take flight and take on anything Canadian drivers and weather can throw at us," he added.