Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC´s Phil Pacsi says the introduction of the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza is part of a transition that is occurring in the light truck marketplace.
Consumer preferences are shifting to more premium vehicles. "With the proliferation of SUV models, a growing segment of consumers demand the same luxurious amenities once found only on upscale automobiles," says Pacsi, executive director of North American consumer tire brand marketing. "Tires are no exception to this trend."
Appearance is a critical feature with owners of luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade, BMW X5 and Mercedes Benz ML 350. So Bridgestone/Firestone has engineered the following characteristics into the new H/L Alenza:
* a unique geometrically sophisticated-looking tread pattern inspired by famous architectural designs.
* a "fresh, refined (sidewall) appearance." By using its new Ever-Black technology, the company constructs the Alenza´s sidewalls with a specially formulated "real black" rubber that allows the tire to retain its blackness even as the tire ages.
* a sleek, "vent-free" look thanks to ventless molds.
(Also see "BFNT introduces Dueler H/L Alenza.")
The Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza initially will be offered in eight 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes, in H- and T-rated versions. Four sizes will be manufactured by Bridgestone/Firestone in the United States; the other four will be produced by parent company Bridgestone Corp. in Japan.
The sizes are backed by a 65,000 limited tread wear warranty. The available T-rated sizes, are P225/70R16 and P265/70R16 112T. The H-rated sizes are P255/65R16, P265/70R17, P235/65R17, P275/55R17, P185/60R18 and P255/55R18 XL.
The Dueler H/L Alenza is Bridgestone´s second tire in the "luxury" SUV category, joining the Dueler H/L. Its Dueler H/P is designed for the "sporty" segment, while the Dueler H/T fits into the mass market category.
Bridgestone/Firestone officially introduced the tire at a press conference in Napa, Calif., Monday evening.
