Omni United Announces EV Strategy

Omni United, makers of Radar, Patriot and Roadlux Tire brands, has announced its plans to serve EVs. The company said its new EV strategy is a two-pronged approach wherein the first phase will see EV-compatible ranges while the second phase will have a dedicated specialty EV range.

In Phase 1, the company’s EV-compatible tires will be engineered to offer lower rolling resistance for improved vehicle range, a wear-resistant compound to reduce wear from the high EV torque and increased safety through improved wet braking and improved handling characteristics. These will be based on Radar Tires’ existing platforms, which include the premium all-season range for North America and high-performance summer ranges–the Dimax R8+ and RPX 800-E for Europe and Asia. All ranges are currently undergoing testing and are expected to launch in the target markets simultaneously in Q1 of 2023, according to Omni United.

Under the company’s flagship Radar Tires brand, a new range of premium electric vehicle fitments will be designed in collaboration with the renowned Italian automotive design house GFG Style. These fitments will be the second tire range designed in collaboration with GFG. The specialty range will cater to all key EV requirements such as reduced rolling resistance, which directly impacts the range of the vehicle; higher load-carrying capabilities to accommodate the additional weights of the battery packs; use of an improved compound to accommodate increased tire wear; and reduced noise levels for added comfort. This range will feature a summer pattern and initially be launched for the European market in 16 sizes ranging from 18- to 21-in. rim diameters. This second range will be launched throughout 2023, the company says.

“Omni United has always taken a unique and forward-thinking approach to sustainability with our Radar brand being the first tire brand to be manufactured carbon-neutral since 2013,” said GS Sareen, president and CEO of Omni United. “As the automotive industry is making strides to shift towards a more sustainable future we want to continue investing in a cause that we have believed in since more than a decade back. We want our dealers and consumers to have access not only to sustainable mobility solutions but also stress the importance of a product that meets the growing electric vehicle market needs while leveraging cutting-edge style and design.”

With the continued growth of the electric vehicle market and shift towards a more sustainable future, Omni United has aimed to continually improve its product offerings and business practices towards a more sustainable future.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Ryan Waldron as president of the company's Americas business unit, reporting to Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. He succeeds Steven R. McClellan, who retired on April 1.

"At Goodyear, our customers are at the center of everything we do, and in Ryan Waldron, we have a customer-centric, execution-focused business leader with a deep understanding of both the marketplace and all aspects of our business, as well as a proven track record of delivering results," Stewart said. "I am thrilled to announce him as president of Goodyear's Americas business and have enormous confidence that under his leadership, both the company and our customers will reach even greater levels of success."