Yokohama Tire Corp. recently introduced the latest Geolandar tire, the X-AT, at a dealer event near Las Vegas, Nev.
The Geolandar X-AT is an extreme all-terrain tire designed for pickup trucks, Jeeps and SUVs. It will be available July 1, 2019, in a planned 27 sizes ranging from 15 to 22 inches. Bob Abram, senior manager of product planning, said the size complement will include Load Range F sizes for heavier carrying capacities.
The tire is more aggressive off-road than the Geolandar AT, but more comfortable on-highway than the Geolandar MT. It fits into the relatively new R/T (for rugged terrain) light truck tire segment.
The tire features a dual sidewall design that gives consumers the opportunity to choose the appearance they like the best. Yokohama says other benefits include the following:
* gripping off-road traction. The traction is achieved partially through dynamic, large shoulder blocks that are varied in length to create a biting edge and promote mud- and stone-ejection. Also, the angular center blocks provide extra strength and grip.
* off-road durability and improved puncture resistance, the result of Yokohama’s Geo-Shield technology. Geo-Shield features multiple sidewall plies, a high turn-up carcass and a full nylon cap.
* long tread life. Yokohama's new HD2 compound is made of a special triple-polymer blend engineered for reliable long tread life and “impressive” cut- and chip-resistance.
* a quiet, comfortable ride. Zigzag grooves in the tread pattern interrupt airflow to limit pattern and road noise.
The Geolandar X-AT was introduced on the heels of the Geolandar X-CV, Yokohama’s new luxury SUV and crossover vehicle tire, which is already available to dealers.
