Nokian Tyres is widely acknowledged as a winter tire pioneer, but other companies also played a part in the introduction of season-specific tires. 
One such firm is Semperit, which this year celebrates three quarters of a century in the winter tire business.
The Austrian tiremaker introduced its first winter tire, the “Goliath,” in 1936. Back then the new product was not known as a winter tire. In order to maximize the range’s appeal and application it was promoted as a tire for off-road use in all seasons.
The Goliath lineup was offered in five dimensions and proved so successful that it was manufactured until the late 1940s. Semperit’s first M+S tire was launched in 1952 and 11 years later the company offered its first studded winter tires.
“Our brand of winter tires has been in existence for 75 years,” said Semperit product manager Heike Schöpper. “And we’d like to celebrate that with our new model, the Speed-Grip 2.”
This new passenger car and light commercial vehicle range, available in some of Semperit’s European markets, is promoted as possessing a new tread compound that helps achieve very good results on both dry and snow-covered roads: “The special tread structure of the Speed-Grip 2 offers additional grip for braking and curves on typical winter roads.” A total of 48 sizes for 15- to 18-inch wheels will be added to the Speed-Grip 2 range. (Tyres & Accessories)
