New Wrangler AT/R and Fortera Tyres from Goodyear

Goodyear ASEAN will soon be launching two new tyres – the Wrangler AT/R and Fortera, both targeted at the fast-growing pick-up and SUV 4WD segments. In developing these two new tyres, Goodyear gave more attention to comfort and quietness. According to Hugh Pace, Goodyear’s President for the Asia region, these two aspects are of great importance to Asian consumers, particularly for those using the new generation of Asian SUVs.

“In the past, we have used some products from other markets for the SUV market but they have not always been satisfactory for some Asian customers. Now, we have the new Wrangler AT/R and Fortera which have been designed and tuned to meet these customers’ expectations more specifically,” he said.

“And furthermore,” he added, “they are important new products that bring us towards the goal of completely refreshing the Goodyear product line in ASEAN within four years from 2000. I am pleased to say that we are ahead of schedule on this objective.”

“I would also add that in terms of production rationalization for the ASEAN region, in preparation for the single market of AFTA, we are about 80% complete and advanced in the rationalization of production at facilities which are in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia,” Mr Pace said.

The two tyres have been developed using Goodyear’s Trinuum Tyre Technology which ‘integrates Chemistry, Design and Engineering’. They make use of the global resources of the Goodyear which include development and technical centres in Japan, the USA and Europe – plus the annual R&D budget of some US$400 million (sometimes going up to $600 million).

With the Fortera, which is manufactured in the Philippines, the aim has been to offer a tyre that has better ride comfort and lower noise levels but still has enough capability for occasional drives over rough terrain. As with all Goodyear tyres, wet grip qualities are superior but what is special about the Fortera is the new S-pattern tread design which is an innovation to reduce road noise. This tread pattern has longitudinal lugs and a unique tread pitch which also enhances driving comfort.

Nevertheless, although these qualities are car-like, the Fortera is said to still be every bit a SUV tyre and its rugged appearance on the sidewall view would certainly complement any SUV.

According to a Goodyear Malaysia source, the Fortera pattern is already used for the Honda CR-V tyres sold in the US market. So it is likely that DOH in Malaysia would also choose this new tyre to the locally-assembled CR-V, a move which would save them some money as they are presently using Bridgestone Duelers from Japan. Using tyres imported from an ASEAN country will be cheaper under AFTA as the duty rate will be between 0% and 5% only.

Goodyear Malaysia has also been making a special tyre for the Ford Escape sold here and it is believed that there are discussions going on to possibly replace the existing one with the Fortera in future.

As for the new Wrangler AT/R, this is another member of the well-known Wrangler family of off-road tyres from Goodyear. Visually, the highlight is the sporty white lettering on the sidewall; though not a new feature of tyres, the process of applying the white colour is more advanced to ensure that it lasts longer.

“We can’t use the old method of application because today’s pick-ups can go a lot faster and this has an effect on the white lettering. So we now have a new method which can make the white last longer and this required new machinery and some additional investment,” said Zakariah Ahmad, President/Director of Goodyear Indonesia, which makes the tyre.

The aggressive tread pattern has radial and longitudinal blading patterns which give good traction on wet roads as well as enhance handling. Off-road capabilities are also improved with the wide tread crown that has large shoulder notches and wide tapered grooves. Interlocking pattern lugs help to even out wear while improving stability.

The new Wrangler AT/R is expected to become a factory-installed item on popular pick-up models like the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Storm.

Prices of the products will be announced in due course but are believed to start from RM180 for the Fortera and RM300 for the Wrangler AT/R. However, the prices will be attractive and competitive, promises C.K. Choo, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia as well as ASEAN.

“We are going to try to make sure that customers in each ASEAN country pay the same sort of price for these tyres to reduce the ‘attractiveness’ of smuggling,” he said.

The new tyres were revealed during a press conference held in conjunction with ‘Neovation 2002’, the company’s annual conference which is being held in Genting Highlands this weekend.

Also part of the event was an exhibition held at one of the hotels on the hill resort as well as a special off-road demonstration of the new tyres. Some 780 Goodyear business associates from 21 countries were present at the event which is the third one held so far.