Building on an increase in both units and margins for the Kelly brand in 2004, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. introduced two Kelly brands at its dealer meeting in Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas.
The tires are the Safari Trex, an all-terrain tire for the light truck and SUV segment, and the Evo-Z, an ultra-high performance tuner tire.
Safari Trex. Using a tread design technology called VersaTred, Goodyear says it was able to combine off-road traction capabilities in snow and mud with quiet, comfortable ride characteristics. Multi-pitch sequence tread elements also reduces noise through frequency cancellation.
Another design feature is a more rectangular footprint, which helps keep more tread elements on the road.
The Safari Trex has a 50,000-mile limited tread wear warranty. It is available in 32 sizes (covering 87% of the all-terrain vehicle segment, according to Goodyear).
Evo-Z. The low-profile tire's high-tech design elements include spirally wound nylon cap plies, a directional tread pattern, rim flange protectors and a high performance tread compound. The tread pattern also is optimized for even wear, reflected in the tire's 420-AA-A UTQG ratings.
Goodyear says a blending of tread block elements and groove areas not only gives the EVO-Z a tuner-inspired appearance, but also enhances the tire's lateral stability and cornering force.
"We took the best of European design and optimized it for North America," says Brandon Stotsenberg, director of Kelly Brands consumer marketing. "We have targeted the drivers who are looking for ultra-performance in a Z-rated tire, but also want longer tread life, strong wet and dry traction, and a reasonable price."
The EVO-Z is available in 21 sizes that Stotsenberg says will cover 71% of the ultra-performance value segment. The tire initially will be available through Kelly retailers, beginning this quarter. It will be offered to Lee and Star dealers during the second quarter.
