January 24, 2010
Kumho introduces four medium truck tires
Four medium truck tires will be introduced by Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. in 2010. One is the KMA02, a wide-base, on/off-road mixed service tire.
The company gave a preview of the new tires at its annual dealer sales conference in Palm Springs, Calif.
1. KLS02 and KLD02. The S02 is a premium linehaul steer tire. It features a five-rib design with a decoupler groove for steering stability and resistance to irregular wear.
The D02 is the next-generation premium linehaul drive tire. It features a 30/32nd-inch tread depth.
Both tires are available in four sizes: 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5.
2. KMA01. The primary positions for this premium on/off highway tire are steer and trailer. It features a four-rib design engineered for "good tread wear and cut-and-chip resistance in on/off-road conditions," according to the company.
The KMA01 is available in five sizes: 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 12R22.5, 225/70R19.5 and 315/80R22.5.
3. KMA02. The wide-base on/off-road mixed service tire is designed to provide enhanced traction and cut-and-chip resistance. It is available in three sizes: 385/65R22.5, 425/65R22.5 and 445/65R22.5.
Kumho says it will submit the KLS02 for SmartWay program approval by mid-2010. The company also will submit three already existing lines: the KLD01, KLT02 and 943.
SmartWay is a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency and the freight sector. It is designed "to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions, and improve energy sustainability," according to Kumho.
California is the first state to have implemented the program, which requires that 2011 and later model-year 53-foot or longer box-type trucks and trailers and their tires be SmartWay certified. For tires, that means meeting a low-rolling resistance standard.
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