Goodyear Launches New Off-Road Wrangler Tire
19 January 2000
Goodyear Launches New Off-Road Wrangler TireLAS VEGAS, Jan. 19 -- Nine months after unveiling a new ultra-durable off-road tire with an improved puncture-resistance technology in its tire sidewalls, Goodyear today introduced its much-anticipated Wrangler MT/R tire to retailers nationwide. (Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000119/CLW006 ) Two sizes - 30x9.50R15 and 35x12.50R15 - will be available at Goodyear retail locations nationwide in February, while the balance of sizes are scheduled for March and April availability. The tiremaker introduced the tire here at its annual dealer conference. Ron Wells, marketing manager for Goodyear light-truck tires, said the Wrangler MT/R tire's nine-month introduction is unprecedented. "Relying on grassroots word-of-mouth, we've uncovered tremendous pent-up demand for the new Wrangler tire. It has been a pleasant surprise," Wells said. Before the tire hits the ground running at retailers in the next couple months, the Wrangler MT/R already has achieved the following: * Gained widespread approval among off-road enthusiasts at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, in April 1999. At that time, the tire was code-named the "Secret Weapon." * Off-road media were introduced to the tire on the famous Rubicon Trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. The tire then traveled to the equally demanding Sierra Trek off-road event. * Despite being outnumbered by the competition, the tire was on the winning vehicle at the Goodyear Extreme Rock Crawling Championship in Farmington, N.M. * The tire took center stage in Goodyear's display, a first for a Wrangler tire, at the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas. Popular Mechanics magazine gave it an "Editor's Choice Award for New Products." * Legendary off-road racer Walker Evans used a 17-inch version of the tire to clinch the Championship Off Road Racing championship in his final CORR race in Las Vegas. "We're excited about the prospects for this tire. We haven't seen this much consumer interest since we introduced the Aquatred wet-traction tire in 1991," Wells said. Wrangler MT/R (maximum traction-reinforced) off-road tire's patented Durawall sidewall construction features a high-tech silica compound, three high-modulus polyester plies and upper sidewall tread elements. Wells said a print advertising campaign would accompany the tire's availability at retailers. Although targeted at hard-core off-roaders, the ads will point out that the new tire's traction capabilities could expand its use past the traditional off-road market, which increased more than $40 million between 1994 and 1997. Ranchers, farmers and even "tuners," who want an aggressive-looking tire on their vehicles, also are prime prospects for the new Wrangler. "Wrangler MT/R's durability and alligator-like tread pattern attract attention," Wells said. "Its Durawall sidewalls and traction capabilities provide the capability to go where you want to go." Mike Kolowski, chief engineer of light-truck tires, said the tire's Durawalls "actually become part of the working tread. The sidewall notches deliver added traction and protection where tires are most vulnerable -- their sidewalls. "Wrangler MT/R brings the toughness of its tread to the sidewalls," Kolowski said. The tire replaces the Wrangler MT, a mud traction tire introduced in 1988. The new tire, manufactured at Goodyear's facility in Fayetteville, N.C., will be available in sizes LT235/75R15, LT235/85R16, LT245/75R16, LT285/75R16, 30x9.50R15, 31x10.50R15, 32x11.50R15, 33x12.50R15 and 35x12.50R15.