TBC Wholesale Group is introducing what it terms “the evolution of the performance touring tire” with the spring launch of the new Sumitomo HTR Enhance line for sedans, coupes, crossovers and SUVs. TBC is the exclusive marketer of the Sumitomo brand in North America.
Featuring 60 T-, H-, V- and W-rated sizes in 15- through 18-inch rim diameters, and supported by an industry-leading warranty package, the HTR Enhance is engineered to perfectly align with both the sophisticated performance capabilities of later-model vehicles and the increased consumer preference for tires that offer an optimum blend of extended tread life, agile and responsive handling, all-season traction capability and refined ride comfort.
“The Sumitomo HTR Enhance is a true first replacement option -- combining OE-level precision performance and quality with an attractive price that delivers superior value to customers and dealers alike,” says Jon Vance, TBC Wholesale senior director of Marketing.
“In addition, with 60 sizes across multiple speed ratings including W, dealers benefit from a single go-to product line that truly meets the needs of the evolving performance touring tire market. Add to this a best-in-class warranty protection package and you have a tire that is the perfect flagship for the new Sumitomo brand message of ‘Evolutionary Design, Revolutionary Performance.’”
TBC says the HTR Enhance incorporates Sumitomo’s advanced engineering technologies into a stylish asymmetric design that delivers both showroom appeal and on road functionality, including:
- A specially developed tread compound for extended and even-wear, combined with exceptional all-season traction;
- An optimized multi-pitch tread block combination for minimized road noise;
- Strategically placed tread channeling and grooving to maximize water evacuation and wet traction; and
- A wide outside tread block zone for high speed cornering and handling stability.
Additionally, TBC says the HTR Enhance size lineup is tuned for specific vehicle applications and fitments with the Enhance L/X designed for passenger car use and the Enhance C/X manufactured with the unique performance and durability requirements of crossovers and SUVs in mind.
HTR Enhance is backed by the Confidence Enhanced Driver Protection Package that features both extended tread wear mileage warranty protections and a value-added menu of additional protections. The HTR Enhance will be available on a rolling basis beginning in April, 2014, with all sizes available by July.
