Two models from the SPVAN01 tyre range, manufactured by global tyre and rubber company Sumitomo Rubber, are set to be launched later this year.

The range – which consists of 12 models – caters for commercial vehicles such as trucks, bakkies and panel vans.

The two models that will be launched next month vary in size – from 13 to 16 inches in diameter – and are suitable for vehicles such as the Opel Corsa Utility, Hyundai H100, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter, depending on the application, says Sumitomo Rubber trade marketing manager Asaad Manjoo.

Ten of the 12 models – with a very limited size – within the range were released onto the market by tyre brand Dunlop in the fourth quarter of 2020, with the intention of subsequently releasing more sizes once the South Africa economy had recovered from the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic locally, in 2021.

Manjoo says Sumitomo Rubber’s research has indicated that the customers for these two models require longer-lasting tyres and, therefore, higher mileage is a unique proposition for the market.

The newest generation light truck tyre will offer consumers great mileage, which is really the main aspect of a tyre that any business should look at, he says.

The SPVAN01 tyre range offers increased performance in the market at a fair price, and will save the customer money with regard to tyre wear and replacement, coupled with fuel efficiency, especially as fuel prices continue to escalate, he explains.

Manjoo says anything that affects the tyres, negative or positive, directly affects the vehicle they are attached to. The SPVAN01 tyre range is designed to be wide and flat to maximise road contact, which assists with traction and, therefore, safer driving.

He adds that sidewall protection is a highlight for the SPVAN01 tyre range. Pavement protection is reinforced by the optimally placed band, which then ensures durability, especially on rough roads.

The tyre’s optimised rib distribution, referring to the raised section of tread made up of several tread blocks located along each side of the tyre and directly down the centre of the tread, is designed to have as much contact with the road as possible. This provides even wear distribution and also improves the vehicle’s directional stability, braking distances and driving dynamics. The deep grooves improve durability and wet grip performance.

A stronger steel wire structure enhances load-bearing performance and tyre rigidity to improve the overall safety of a vehicle.

The tyre range is manufactured in Thailand and sold by Sumitomo Rubber in South Africa, he concludes.