Goodyear Launches New Off-Road Wrangler Tire
19 January 2000
Goodyear Launches New Off-Road Wrangler Tire
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 -- Nine months after unveiling a new
ultra-durable off-road tire with an improved puncture-resistance technology in
its tire sidewalls, Goodyear today introduced its much-anticipated Wrangler
MT/R tire to retailers nationwide.
(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000119/CLW006 )
Two sizes - 30x9.50R15 and 35x12.50R15 - will be available at Goodyear
retail locations nationwide in February, while the balance of sizes are
scheduled for March and April availability. The tiremaker introduced the tire
here at its annual dealer conference.
Ron Wells, marketing manager for Goodyear light-truck tires, said the
Wrangler MT/R tire's nine-month introduction is unprecedented. "Relying on
grassroots word-of-mouth, we've uncovered tremendous pent-up demand for the
new Wrangler tire. It has been a pleasant surprise," Wells said.
Before the tire hits the ground running at retailers in the next couple
months, the Wrangler MT/R already has achieved the following:
* Gained widespread approval among off-road enthusiasts at the Easter
Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, in April 1999. At that time, the tire was
code-named the "Secret Weapon."
* Off-road media were introduced to the tire on the famous Rubicon Trail
in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The tire then traveled
to the equally demanding Sierra Trek off-road event.
* Despite being outnumbered by the competition, the tire was on the
winning vehicle at the Goodyear Extreme Rock Crawling Championship in
Farmington, N.M.
* The tire took center stage in Goodyear's display, a first for a
Wrangler tire, at the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las
Vegas. Popular Mechanics magazine gave it an "Editor's Choice Award
for New Products."
* Legendary off-road racer Walker Evans used a 17-inch version of the
tire to clinch the Championship Off Road Racing championship in his
final CORR race in Las Vegas.
"We're excited about the prospects for this tire. We haven't seen this
much consumer interest since we introduced the Aquatred wet-traction tire in
1991," Wells said.
Wrangler MT/R (maximum traction-reinforced) off-road tire's patented
Durawall sidewall construction features a high-tech silica compound, three
high-modulus polyester plies and upper sidewall tread elements.
Wells said a print advertising campaign would accompany the tire's
availability at retailers. Although targeted at hard-core off-roaders, the
ads will point out that the new tire's traction capabilities could expand its
use past the traditional off-road market, which increased more than
$40 million between 1994 and 1997. Ranchers, farmers and even "tuners," who
want an aggressive-looking tire on their vehicles, also are prime prospects
for the new Wrangler.
"Wrangler MT/R's durability and alligator-like tread pattern attract
attention," Wells said. "Its Durawall sidewalls and traction capabilities
provide the capability to go where you want to go."
Mike Kolowski, chief engineer of light-truck tires, said the tire's
Durawalls "actually become part of the working tread. The sidewall notches
deliver added traction and protection where tires are most vulnerable -- their
sidewalls.
"Wrangler MT/R brings the toughness of its tread to the sidewalls,"
Kolowski said. The tire replaces the Wrangler MT, a mud traction tire
introduced in 1988.
The new tire, manufactured at Goodyear's facility in Fayetteville, N.C.,
will be available in sizes LT235/75R15, LT235/85R16, LT245/75R16, LT285/75R16,
30x9.50R15, 31x10.50R15, 32x11.50R15, 33x12.50R15 and 35x12.50R15.