Magazine for the professional tire industry
Issue link: https://mtd.epubxp.com/i/394657
MTD October 2014 P-metric light truck tires matches today's multi- use lifestyle. F r o m a m a r k e t standpoint, especially at wholesale, we are seeing many more lines offering later model large rim diameter fitments, even from import manufacturers who have traditionally focused on the high volume, mass market sizes in 16 inches and 17 inches, And tire dealers and distribu- tors are looking to their suppliers to have product oferings that proactively and progressively meet the size and speed rating requirements of this evolving market. Jim Mayfeld, Toyo: Te market is dominated by 1/2-ton pickups and a variety of SUVs. Te vast majority have load- carrying capacities that a P-metric tire will satisfy. It's when we move into the larger towing and carrying capacities that we see LT tires as OE and then standard replacement. Bob Abram, Yokohama: Everyone wants more out of their tires, so beter mileage and increased grip never go out of style. MTD: How would you defne the consumer who buys P-metric light truck tires? Mathis, Aturo: Te current P-metric light truck customer is typically replacing an OE tire on (his or her) truck. We believe there will be growth in this segment as more of the small SUV, crossover and re-introduction of the small pickup are added to the market. Tis remains the fastest growing segment of the auto industry, and Aturo is the only brand in the market that solely focuses on the SUV/light truck market segment. Hayes, Bridgestone: Consumers who are looking for P- metric light truck tires are those whose needs and lifestyles call for them to drive a CUV, SUV or light truck. Whether it's the towing capability of a truck, or the sportier feel of a CUV, the range of consumer needs in this segment can be met with one of the oferings in Bridgestone's Dueler line. Coltrane, CMA: Owners of CUV 's and SUV 's are the primary buyers of these tires. Terzaken, Continental: Drivers of crossover and sport- utility vehicles, as well as many standard size pickup trucks, look for a tire that not only ofers the load carrying capability for their vehicle, but one that also provides a well-balanced, sophisticated experience. Quiet, comfortable operation (and) the assurance of excellent grip in all conditions, are important atributes for these consumers. Reindl, Falken: Te majority of light truck vehicles pro- duced each year are fted with P-metric light truck sized tires. Tese vehicles include minivans, SUVs and CUVs, as well as traditional LT vehicles. P-metric sizes can be found in standard passenger tire tread designs as well as tires designed specifcally for light trucks, such as all-terrain tread designs. Consumers driving half-ton pickup trucks, midsize and small SUVs and commercial vans like those used in airport transportation or light-duty commercial use are most likely to need a light truck patern P-metric sized tire. Kopacz, Hankook: Te consumers who buy P-metric light truck tires are interested in ride comfort, handling and safety. Liu, Hercules: P-metrics work fne in the vast majority of light-duty pickup and SUV applications. P-metric light truck tires are ofen associated with lower cost, longer tread life and, typically, beter fuel economy and ride comfort — all the key benefts a consumer desires. Te key is for the consumer to understand the application and the load capacity, and it's important for dealers to ask the right questions when recom- mending a replacement light truck tire. Kim, Kumho: Te typical P-metric light truck tire consumer is usually a CUV, SUV or light truck owner who uses the vehicle for everyday commuting. Consumers who usually use their vehicle for carrying cargo would require a tire with a higher load capacity than just the P-metric. Ewing, Pirelli: P-metric or Euro-metric light truck tires are intended for applications where the priority is comfort and/ or fuel economy instead of load carrying capability or towing. Vance, TBC: Tere are two distinct consumer groups that are the primary purchasers of P-metric truck tires, in my opinion. One, of course, is the consumers who are at the early replacement stages with their later model vehicles and are looking for product options that ofer value but deliver the performance atributes that they require in their daily usage. In such cases, speed ratings may be a factor, as many of the later model OE ftments are ofered in higher speed ratings than the traditional S- or T-rated versions, and consumers don't want to change for the OE rating. And these sizes tend to be in higher rim diameters as well, following the OE trend. Te other group is the owners of aging vehicles such as small to mid-size pickups and older SUVs who are later in the replacement cycle and are looking more at price versus the specifc atributes of the tire. Many of these consumers will opt for P-metric over LT sizing for cost reasons, especially if their daily usage doesn't require enhanced carrying capacity. Mayfeld, Toyo: P-metric light truck tires are primarily Pirelli backs the Scorpion Verde All-Season with a 65,000-mile tread wear war- ranty and 30-day free trial. The Hankook Dynapro HT features a high stiffness center block designed to enhance steering response. An advanced silica-infused compound gives the versa- tile Hercules Terra Trac Cross- V all-road capability. 22 22