SEMA 2004: Dunlop Propels Brand, Tire Sales with Three New Tire Lines

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2004 -- In a bold move to strengthen its tire lineup in North America, Dunlop announced today that it is adding three new tires targeting the industry's fastest growing markets.

The historic three-tire introduction will be showcased Tuesday to independent tire dealers and consumers at the Specialty Equipment Market Association convention here. Dunlop, a signature brand for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company , featured the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx as the new flagship ultra-performance tire.

Emphasizing ultimate traction on dry and wet pavement, the SP Sport Maxx already has gained attention in Europe from enthusiast magazines and automakers seeking original-equipment tires for their high-horsepower models, according to Andy Traicoff, director of Dunlop consumer tire marketing.

The Dunlop flagship tire line employs MRT - Multi Radius Tread - technology to place more rubber on the road for improved traction, a requirement among driving enthusiasts, he said.

Also unveiled is the Dunlop Direzza DZ101, available in 15- to 19-inch rim diameters. The "tuner" line is well positioned for use on highly modified sport compact cars, Traicoff said.

With retail growth of performance products used to modify sport compact cars growing nine-fold in the past six years, Dunlop stands ready to help tire dealers gain share and sales, he said.

The third line launched, the Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 - for those who are "tired of the truck ride of an SUV" - is engineered for responsive handling and a comfortable ride, while delivering an aggressive appearance, he added. The luxury highway tire is designed specifically for mid-size SUV models built on car platforms, which have experienced dramatic growth in the past five years.

"New products are the lifeblood of our business," Traicoff said. "New tire development is focused on the industry's fastest growing areas, such as in high-performance and SUV tire sales, to improve dealers' sales opportunities."

Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original- equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships.

For more on Dunlop, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/ .