Goodyear is rebuilding and repurposing its Kelly brand as a power line for dealers looking for great coverage in the economy tire segment.
The tiremaker used the occasion of its annual Dealer Conference, hosted this week at the Gaylord Texan near Dallas, to launch the Kelly Edge Power Line, which will eventually replace all current Kelly-brand consumer tires currently offered, the tiremaker said. Included will be the Kelly Edge A/S and Kelly Edge A/T, the initial offerings that will address performance touring, passenger, CUV, SUV and all-terrain tire segments.
In the future, the Kelly Edge line will grow with the addition of other products.
Goodyear said that “Kelly Edge power line of products are intended to offer great performance that consumers want, with broad size coverage in a single line that helps reduce retailer inventory, and also provides marketing support to drive tire buyer preference in the economy tier.”
The line will launch with 85 unique sizes to cover 89% of the economy tier market, “a very complete lineup with many more contemporary sizes than we have previously offered in the Kelly brand,” said Sara Vacha, Goodyear brand manager.
“Through consumer research and market-back interaction with our retailers, we know a key segment of drivers are looking for value when they shop for tires,” she said. “They want current technology, but they don’t want a lot of extras.”
Among the features of the new Kelly Edge A/S are biting tread block edges for all-season traction in wet, dry and snowy conditions; broad tread grooves that help evacuate water and slush from the tread for enhanced grip; sturdy tread blocks to help stabilize the tread footprint to promote long treadwear; and a tread pattern that enhances handling. The tire carries a 55,000-mile/85,000-kilometer treadlife limited warranty.
The Kelly Edge A/S will launch with 40 sizes during the second quarter, to be followed by another 11 sizes later in the year. The tire will come in T, H and V speed ratings, and 14- to 18-inch wheel diameters within the performance and commuter touring product areas.
The Kelly Edge AT is designed for highway and off-road traction for everyday driving, with flared tread block edges that help shovel mud, dirt and gravel away from the tread for off-road traction. It includes a 50,000-mile/80,000-kilometer treadlife limited warranty.
The tire will be offered in 36 sizes, ranging from 15- to 20-inch wheel diameters. Initially, 23 sizes will be launched in the third quarter of 2015.
On the Dunlop side, Goodyear revealed the high-performance all-season Signature HP. The Signature HP will be available in March and carries a 45,000-mile/75,000-kilometer treadlife limited warranty.
“The Dunlop Signature HP is a perfect choice for drivers who want both power and control at their fingertips,” said Julie Manson, Dunlop performance brand manager. “With its stylish design and all-season performance, drivers can confidently experience the thrill of the road any time of the year.”
The Signature HP features an asymmetric tread design for all-season handling on wet and dry roads; circumferential grooves to channel water, slush and snow away from the tread;
a blade pattern for enhanced traction and handling in snow and on ice; contoured edges to reduce noise and enhance tread life; and a rim guard to protect wheels from curb damage.
The Signature HP will be available in 30 popular V and W speed-rated sizes, ranging from 16- to 19-inch wheel diameters.
