Sep 14 2004
High-performance tires - with their wide, low-profile stance on the road - are anything but low profile to consumers.
Many of these larger wheel-diameter performance tires feature shorter "low profile" sidewalls inspired by motorsports, according to Warren Croyle, marketing manager for Dunlop tires in North America. Dunlop is a signature brand for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
"Dunlop sizing, in particular, enjoys an advantage as the industry trend continues toward lower profile applications," Croyle said. "We're well-positioned now, and we plan to introduce even more low profile sizes this year and next."
Due to the automotive industry's penchant for performance, the number of auto tire sizes recognized by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association has jumped 120 percent since 1991 to 249 different sizes. About 82 percent of the growth, the association said, has come in rim sizes of 17 inches or more.
About 59 percent of that increase runs in rim diameters of 18 inches or more. The total number of tire sizes actually decreased last year due to a sharp falloff in 13- and 14-inch family-car tire sizes. The number of 15- and 16-inch tire sizes has been flat in that time.
Even growth among 17- and 18-inch wheels is slowing, Croyle said. By 2008, Dunlop figures 18- and 20-inch tire sales will amount to 6 million units; however, 22- and 24-inch sizes will comprise the fastest growing sizes.
As the auto industry has fitted as original equipment larger, low-profile rubber on everything from the sports coupe, to the luxury car, to the family sedan, the effects impact the tire industry and tire buyer alike, he said. Automotive restylers - or tuners - also are responsible for larger tire growth.
Take, for example, Dunlop's SP Sport 9000 ultra-performance sport radial tire, which is available in ten 19-inch, five 20-inch, two 21-inch and a whopping 285/30ZR22 size.
Dunlop also features 19-inch and larger models in SP Sport 8000, SP Sport FM901, SP Sport 01 and in Grandtrek Sport Truck series PT9000 and ST8000.
"Using technology derived from Dunlop's experience with low-profile race tires, engineers are finding new ways to improve the handling capabilities of today's high-performance automotive fleet.
"Nonetheless, before modifying any vehicle, restylers and consumers need to review the vehicle manufacturer's owner's manual and evaluate the tire load capacity and handling characteristics of the vehicle," Croyle said.
To further highlight Dunlop's participation in the sport compact "tuner" enthusiast segment, the brand sponsors D-1 Drifting, the NOPI Fast and Furious race series and Hot Import Nights lifestyle events.
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