Goodyear Dealer Conference, Day Two: From Europe with love (and plenty of biting edges)
The new Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance winter tire will be available to North American dealers "prior to the 2007-2008 winter season," says the company.
Designed in Europe, the performance winter tire features the following:
* patented TredLock microgrooves, designed to open and close and, when necessary, lock together to adapt to changing winter conditions, including snow- and ice-covered roads;
* an asymmetric tread pattern, with deep, biting grooves for water dispersion;
* advanced silica technology, which helps create a "traction-enhanced tire surface geared to assist traction and provide balance and control in winter conditions."
Additionally, the tread pattern incorporates a dual, noise-pitching sequence to help the tire ride quietly and comfortably.
The Ultra Grip Performance tire will be available in 17 V-rated sizes. Goodyear says the size lineup is intended to fit a broad range of touring and performance vehicles.
Goodyear also introduced a dedicated winter tire for SUVs -- the Ultra Grip SUV. It, too, will be available next winter.
The size lineup will target vehicles such as the BMW X5, Range Rover and Infiniti Q45.