Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc. introduced four new tires at its annual dealer sales conference. Three of the tires are "green" tires formulated with environmentally friendly compounds.
1. The Ecsta LE Sport KU39. The new premium ultra-high performance tire is being positioned between the Ecsta XS and Ecsta SPT, and will replace the Ecsta MX. It features an asymmetric tread pattern for ride comfort and a solid center rib for straight-line stability.
Available in 40 metric sizes, the Ecsta LE will compete against the Continental Extreme Contact, Michelin Pilot Sport 2, Bridgestone Potenza RE050, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, Hankook Ventus V-12 evo and Pirelli P Zero Nero.
2. Eco Solus HM KR22. The premium high-mileage tire is backed by a 100,000-mile limited tread wear warranty. It is the first in a family of passenger and light truck tires that are "formulated to be less impactful on the environment while delivering exceptional performance," according to the company.
The T-rated HM KR22 will be available in 22 P-metric sizes and one metric size this spring. Kumho lists the Goodyear Assurance Comfortred and Michelin Hydroedge as "comparable competitor products."
3. Eco Solus KL21. Kumho is targeting the tire for crossover vehicles, SUVs and minivans. Designed to deliver ride comfort, fuel economy and a quiet ride, the KL21 is backed by a 60,000-mile limited tread wear warranty.
It is available in 21 metric and P-metric sizes ranging from 235/65TR16 to 265/50VR20. Kumho says the tire will compete against the Michelin Latitude Tour HP.
4. ecowing KH30. Kumho says all-season performance was not compromised in the development of this green tire, which features a linking leaf sidewall design. It will be available in 21 H- and V-rated replacement OE sizes ranging from P185/60R14 to P215/55R17 in July 2010.. It competes against the Michelin Energy Saver AS and Michelin Hydroedge with Green X; the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max; and the Bridgestone Ecopia.
In addition, Kumho is making its Solus KH25, an OE tire, available to the aftermarket. The all-season high performance tire eventually will replace the KH16.
