Kumho Tire USA is tentatively planning to launch a 24-inch size to its ultra-high performance ECSTA STX light truck and SUV tire line in two months.
Rick Brennan, Kumho's high performance brand manager, says the tire, in size 305/35R24, was designed for SUVs like Ford Expeditions, Ford Excursions and Chevy Suburbans. The reinforced tire is expected to have a load index rating of 115.
"You have to make the casing stronger to hold more air to carry more weight," says Brennan.
Kumho already sells a 305/40R23 size in the ECSTA STX line.
At last year's International Tire Expo in Las Vegas, Nev., 24-inch BFGoodrich and Pirelli Scorpion tires were showcased. Continental AG sells a 24-inch tire in Europe, which eventually may find its way to the states, according to a Continental Tire North America Inc. spokesperson.
