Vee Rubber introduced two new Vee brand tires at its SEMA Show/Global Tire Expo booth, in addition to launching two tires in the company’s all-new Nika brand.
The new Vitron ZR tire features a five rib, asymmetrical, all-season UHP tread pattern that provides a comfortable ride with superior grip, Vee said. The tire incorporates Vee’s patented “dual nature” tread design, which enables the owner to customize the tire to the car by mounting one side out for enhanced traction in wet conditions or mounting the other side out for improved dry performance. The tire is available in two sizes: 235/40R18 and 265/35R18.
Vee said its new Taiga A/T, available in 12 sizes ranging from 15- to 17-inch rim diameters, offers outstanding off-road capabilities while still delivering on-road traction, comfort and long life. The tire features a zig-zag and siped solid center rib to ensure a smooth ride and reduce irregular wear; a large, aggressive second row and shoulder blocks for on-road cornering; “No-Go-Sno” circumferential grooves that evacuate water but do not allow snow to pass through; and a constant contact design for a smooth ride and improved longevity, according to the tiremaker.
Because the Thailand-based tiremaker’s sales have grown, Vee created the Nika brand so as not to introduce competition for its existing dealers, according to Patrick Hyland, sales and marketing manager. The first two tires in the line are the SUV/light truck Vastera all-season radial and the dual-nature Avatar passenger tire.
The Vastera features five zig-zag circumferential grooves for wet and snow traction; large, reinforced shoulder blocks for extra cornering grip and low noise; multiple biting edges for rain, snow and ice traction; and the tiremaker’s constant contact tread design.
The Avatar offers large zig-zag circumferential grooves for water evacuation; horizontal grooves and sipes that Vee said creates a “squeegee” effect for water evacuation; multiple pitch/phase variation for a quiet ride; and constant contact design.
Nika brand tires will be available in the same markets as Vee branded tires, but will be distributed through different channels, Hyland noted. While Vee tires are sold through regional wholesalers or large dealers, Nika offerings will be sourced through large wholesale distributors.
