The Hercules Terra Trac AT line has been extended to include two new products: the Terra Trac AT X-Journey, which addresses the growing CUV segment, and the Terra Trac AT X-Venture, which targets SUVs and light trucks.
The tires - whose range will ultimately span 57 sizes - cover "more than 80% of the all-terrain market and appeal to a broader based of customers," according to American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) officials.
Now available for ordering, the tires fit wheels ranging from 15 inches to 20 inches in diameters.
Both products are made in the United States "by one of our vendor partners," says Josh Simpson, senior vice president of Hercules Tires.
"The Terra Trac AT II has been our most popular tire and has been extremely successful. But we see an opportunity to expand our brand by re-evaluating the ever-changing needs of the consumer based on the vehicles they drive and the lives they lead.
"These two new tires represent a reimagining of our best-selling Terra Trac II and add to its legacy with enhanced driving features," says Simpson.
"They also allow Hercules to cover more of the all-terrain market and supply more products to our dealers. With the growth of the SUV and light truck segments expected to continue, we can help our base of more than 3,500 independent tire dealers capture more market share."
The tires include a wide range of features, such as:
- 3D sipes and silica tread compound to provide optimal responsive handling in wet weather conditions;
- Alternating shoulder scallops built into the shoulder design for enhanced traction;
- "Tusk grooves" designed to create an optimized void-to-rubber ratio and keep the tread area clear of mud and dirt;
- Hercules' Sound Block Technology, which is a system of design characteristics that collectively change the harmonics of the tire during on-road driving via tread block placement and sound barrier nodules in the outer shoulder for a quiet, comfortable ride.
Both tires are severe snow-rated and bear the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol.
Each model offers two distinct sidewall designs "that provide drivers with the ability to customize the tires in a cost-effective way," according to ATD officials.
The Terra Trac AT X-Journey and the Terra Trac AT X-Venture are backed by Hercules' Performance Promise, which offers 60,000-mile treadwear coverage, a 45-day "Trust Our Ride" feature, road hazard protection and materials and workmanship guarantees.
