Thailand-based tiremaker Vee Rubber International Co. Ltd. introduced two new tires earlier today: a winter passenger tire and an all-season tire for passenger and light truck applications.
The Winter Season 2 will be available in time for the 2009/2010 winter tire season. It contains a silica-based tread compound, central circumferential grooves and other elements, Patrick Hyland, a Vee Rubber official, announced during a press conference held earlier today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
The all-season tire, the Taiga H/T, contains a highway tread with large blocks and a closed shoulder design, a constant center rib with "half-depth sipes," a zig-zag tread design and other features. It's now available in 11 sizes; nine more sizes will be added by summer 2009, said Hyland. The tire comes with a 50,000-mile warranty.
Hyland also discussed Vee Rubber's distribution plans for the United States market. "We're seeking to establish long-term relationships. We're looking for regional tire dealers and distributors."
The company currently has distribution in Canada, as well as the northern and western U.S., through its North American subsidiary, Vee Rubber America, which has offices in southern California and Atlanta, Ga.