Yokohama Debuts Geolandar M/T G003

Yokohama Tire Corporation has added a new mud-terrain tire to its Geolander range to strengthen its position in the light truck and off-road segments. The Geolander range of tires is meant to cater to outdoor enthusiasts and off-roaders as well as those who have SUVs. The tire was unveiled in the mountains of Colorado at the Gateway Canyons Resort to members of the tire industry and the media.

Those who attended the event got to test the new tire while driving Jeep Wranglers to tackle rugged mountain terrain, and also on modified caged V6 Ranger Baja buggies which negotiated the bends and jumps of a short course.

The Geolandar M/T G003 comes with Yokohama’s Geo-Shield construction, which comprises a new triple-polymer base compound formula having a greater amount of silica for shorter stopping distances and better wet traction; a full nylon cap cover wrapping over two steel belts; added rim protection, and a hexagonal bead. The tire also comes in load range E sizes designed with multiple polyester body plies for additional support and protection, even on the toughest terrain.

Commenting on the tire, Bob Abram, senior manager of product planning for Yokohama said that when the company was doing its consumer research, it found that irrespective of the brand of the tire, consumers just wanted tires to last longer. One of the main benefits of the new compound that was used in the tire was that it extended the tread life. Yokohama also worked on the construction of the tire to make it more durable.

He explained that the tread design is intended to be wider and flatter, and this can minimize tread wear by distributing the stress on the tire more evenly, reducing hot spots, heat and friction for better tread life. The tread provides a more complete contact area under both partial and full loads. Abram also said the new Geolandar M/T offers an 8% longer tread life in comparison testing.

There might be some consumers who are keen on sporting tires with a more rugged look, and this is why the Geolandar M/T G003 has a square open shoulder, angular mid-blocks, sidewall armor and raised black lettering and sidewall armor. The toothy pattern extended to the sidewall enhances the look of the tire and allows for better grip on off-road surfaces.