American Kenda Rubber Co. Ltd.’s next-generation off-road tire, the Klever M/T2 KR629, is on display at this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
The mud-terrain tire has been designed for “enthusiasts and consumers who desire maximum traction in off-road environments,” according to Kenda officials.
“To develop a tire that meets the demanding performance criteria of this segment, we did multiple rounds of testing over a two-year period in diverse environments, including the rocks of Arizona, mud in the Midwest and desert sand in California,” says Al Henderson, chief design officer for Kenda USA.
The Klever M/T2 KR629 features Kenda’s proprietary “T3 Triple Threat Sidewall, an optimized tread compound and proprietary, interlocking tread blocks for aggressive off-road performance,” he adds.
The tire’s tread design includes mud, stone and debris ejectors; scalloped shoulder blocks that blend with “functional sidewall contours, enhancing both grip and visual appeal;” and more.
“The Klever M/T2 will be instantly noticed by enthusiasts for its looks and superior delivery across all terrains. The symmetric tread design - with Kenda’s patented new tread compound - will also offer good wet and dry handling required by drivers on the road,” say Kenda officials, who add that the tire was benchmarked “against industry-leading competitive brands.”
Brandon Stotsenburg, vice president of Kenda’s automotive division, says that the “ability of the Klever M/T2 to perform at premium levels across diverse terrain was showcased throughout our testing process. The market is looking for a premium-performance, value-priced product in the (mud-terrain) segment and we compare it directly against great competition.”
The tire will be available in 30 sizes, fitting wheels ranging from 15 inches to 22 inches in diameter. “Many popular sizes are also included, going up to 42 inches,” according to Kenda officials.
In addition to raised black letters, Kenda also will offer the product in red letters - in select sizes - “honoring our winning racing heritage.”
The Klever M/T2 will be available to dealers in late-spring/early-summer 2022.
It will be on display inside Kenda’s SEMA Show booth (#41025) through Nov. 5. - both as a standalone display and mounted on a rare 1969 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser.
