Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. has introduced its first luxury touring tire, the NT850 Premium. The tire will be sold exclusively through American Tire Distributors Inc.'s (ATD) network of independent tire dealers.
The NT850 Premium contains Nitto's Advanced Quiet Serration sidewall technology, which minimizes road noise; the company's proprietary Silent Pad technology, which adds a cushioning layer around the tire's steel belt package; deep circumferential tread grooves; and other features.
The V-rated tire targets compact, mid- and full-size luxury sedans, including the Audi A4, Lexus LS and Mercedes E Class, say Nitto officials. It's currently available in the following sizes:
* 215/55R17 98V XL
* 225/55R17 101V XL
* 215/50R17 95V XL
* 225/50R17 98V XL
* 205/50R17 93V XL
* 225/45R17 94V XL
* 235/45R17 97V XL
* 235/55R18 104V XL
* 235/60R18 107V XL
The tire's 17-inch sizes are being made in Japan, while its 18-inch sizes are being produced at Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing Inc.'s plant in White, Ga.
"We plan to offer this tire across our footprint," Ron Sinclair, ATD's senior vice president of marketing, told dealers at a ride-and-drive event for the product held yesterday, April 29, in Napa, Calif.
"At this point, it will be offered to all customers within our independent dealer channel. If this is successful, hopefully it can be a leaping point" for future collaboration between ATD and Nitto, he added.
