China Manufacturers Alliance LLC (CMA) introduced six Double Coin medium truck tires in Memphis, Tenn., earlier today. The unveiling followed the dedication of the company's latest distribution center.
Three of the radials are being marketed as fuel-efficient, ultra-premium tires. Their advanced tread compounding and internal construction result in low rolling resistance and long mileage, according to the company. The tires include:
* FR605, a five-rib steer position tire with extensive siping and side-shoulder decoupling grooves designed to enhance wear and traction in long-haul applications. It will compete against the Bridgestone R287 and R227FE; the Goodyear G395 LHS; and the Michelin XZA2 Energy and XZA3.
* FD405, which features a closed-shoulder tread design. This drive position tire has a 26/32nds-inch tread depth with stone drilling protectors. It will compete against the Bridgestone M726EL and M720; the Goodyear G305 LHD and G372A LHD; and the Michelin XDA3 and XDA-Energy.
* FT105, a five-rib trailer tire that has extensive tread siping engineered to help fight irregular wear in free rolling positions. It will compete against the Bridgestone R195F, the Goodyear G316 LHT and the Michelin XTA Energy.
Each of the fuel-efficient tires is available in six sizes: 11R22.5, 14- and 16-ply; 295/75R22.5, 14-ply; 11R24.5, 14- and 16-ply; and 285/75R24.5, 14-ply. The trailer tire, the FT105, will be available starting in the third quarter. The rest of CMA's fuel-efficient line will be available by the end of 2009.
CMA also has introduced the RR680, a premium, regional, all-position steer tire; the RT600, a premium, low-profile, regional all-position steer tire; and the RR202, an ultra-premium highway service tire.
The RR680 contains a five-rib tread design with wide shoulders for durability and even wear. It has a 19/32-inch tread depth, channel siping and wide grooves for wet and dry traction. It's available in nine sizes.
The RT600 also has a five-rib design with wide shoulders. Its casing "provides long original tread life and promotes multiple retreads," according to CMA officials. It's available in seven sizes.
The RR202 has a 10,000-pound load carrying capacity and is available in three configurations: 295/80R22.5 (16-ply) and 315/80R22.5 (20- and 22-ply).
CMA Vice President Aaron Murphy also revealed that CMA's parent company, Double Coin Holdings Ltd., has nearly completed testing on its latest OTR tire, size 37.00R57. It will be available in the U.S. later this year. He added that CMA will introduce an R1 farm tire line in 2010.
The Double Coin brand has 1.5% of the U.S. replacement medium/heavy truck tire market, according to Modern Tire Dealer research.
