Nokian Tyres Inc.'s all-season eNTYRE has opened up new markets for the company in warm weather regions of the United States, says a Nokian spokesman.
The tire, which was formally unveiled during last year's Specialty Equipment Market Association Show and began shipping in December 2009, has given the Finland-based company, which is primarily known for its winter tires, new distribution "in certain areas... where we couldn't go before," according to Nokian's Marc Bujold.
Jari Lepisto, president of Nokian Tyres U.S. Holdings Inc., Nokian's North American subsidiary, says the company expects to sell 200,000 eNTYRE units in 2010. "So far, it looks like we're going to reach that.
"Our dealers were asking for an all-season tire," he explains. "This enables us to go to some new markets."
The eNTYRE is available in 26 sizes ranging from 15 inches to 17 inches in diameter.
Nokian's sales grew 6% in North America last year.
