Nexen Launches EV-Compatible, UHP Summer Tires

Nexen Tire America Inc. has launched two new tires, including a product that’s been designed for use on both electric and gas-powered vehicles

The N’Priz S grand touring all-season tire is Nexen’s first “EV-compatible” offering.

Available in 48 sizes, fitting wheels ranging from 15 inches to 20 inches in diameter, the N’Priz S targets EVs and internal combustion engine sedans and features a reinforced center block and enhanced footprint “to deliver high torque smoothly to the road,” according to Nexen officials.

Other features include Nexen’s 4D Compound Technology, which “ensures driving stability in every season;” 3D sipe technology for optimal braking and handling; and more.

In addition, the tire has been engineered using Nexen’s AIxVI Technology, which “combines AI (performance prediction) and VR (virtual driving simulation.) AI analyzes noise patterns and road surfaces, while VR tests virtual prototypes to refine tread shapes for a quieter ride, better handling and reliable braking.”

"Customers will be able to start ordering the N’Priz S” this month, John Hagan, executive vice president of sales for Nexen, told MTD during a recent ride-and-drive event in Joliet, Ill. “We’ll launch it in January. We’ll have it in our warehouses.”

Nexen rolled out an EV-compatible tire rather than an EV-specific tire for several reasons, said Hagan. “It helps consumers understand the line. It helps our customers carry fewer SKUs. You talk to any customer – the one thing they’re concerned about is the number of SKUs they have to carry. So we listened to them.”

The N’Priz S comes with an 80,000-mile tread wear warranty. It replaces three tires: the Nexen Roadian GTX, the Nexen Aria AH47 and the N’Priz AH8.

Also new from Nexen is the N’Fera Sport, a premium ultra-high performance summer tire. Available now is 63 sizes, fitting wheels ranging from 17 inches to 21 inches in diameter, the N’Fera Sport replaces the Nexen N’Fera SU1.

The N’Fera Sport’s tread compound “is new,” said Aaron Neumann, head of Nexen’s technical center. “It’s more wet grip-oriented.”

Features include a four-channel groove design for optimal water evacuation; a slant shoulder block design for improved braking; an upgraded profile “using infinite analysis technology to reinforce handling, braking, performance and durability" and more.

"This is a tire designed for comfort, longer tread life and improved grip,” said Nuemann. “It can also function in light snow. We want balanced performance in all areas. We’re trying to put ourselves in the position of the consumer, who still wants value and options.”

The N’Fera Sport comes with a 30,000-mile tread wear warranty. 

Product positioning

Both the N’Fera Sport and the N’Priz S will be positioned as tier-two products, according to Hagan. And both will be available direct from Nexen and through Nexen distributors. “We have vendor transfer. Some people call it 'secondary supply.' We have those options available.”

Nexen will provide point-of-sale materials and digital tools to help promote the new tires. Support materials "will come out in the December timeframe,” said Hagan. “We’ll do a weclome kit – a product showcase kit. We’ll also talk about them at the SEMA Show and will have more point-of-purchase materials to show there.”

Hagan also told MTD that Nexen is working on future iterations of other products. “We have a roadmap that goes out to the year 2030,” he said. “We’re always looking to refresh” Nexen’s product portfolio.