GT Radial has bolstered its mid-market dual electric vehicle (EV) tyre offering by adding 12 existing sizes from its WinterPro 2 Evo and WinterPro 2 Sport ranges, providing independent garages with enhanced winter options for both EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
The newly designated sizes, covering 15" to 19" rims, have been specially selected to meet the differing performance requirements of electric and conventional vehicles. Each tyre now features the brand's EV Ready badge on the sidewall for straightforward identification at the point of sale.
Fabio Pecci-Boriani, Deputy General Manager for Product Planning PCR and LTR at Giti Tire's R&D Centre (Europe), explained the rationale behind the expansion: "When the climate turns cold and roads get slippery it is important that tyres are adapted to the vehicles on which they're being used."
He highlighted the particular challenges facing EV drivers during winter months: "Lower temperatures decrease battery efficiency and their vehicles' range, increasing users' range anxiety. In combination, putting down the immediate torque of an EV on a low grip road can be challenging."
The selected tyres address these concerns through optimised rolling resistance to help maintain range, whilst ensuring power can be transmitted effectively through enhanced grip. Pecci-Boriani stressed that traditional ICE drivers would maintain their established performance levels with these dual-purpose tyres.
The GT Radial WinterPro 2 Evo targets passenger car and smaller CUV and SUV owners, delivering traction on snow, grip on wet roads and short braking distances alongside high mileage potential and comfort.
Meanwhile, the WinterPro 2 Sport caters to drivers of high-powered passenger cars and premium SUVs seeking safe handling and retained sporty driving characteristics in winter conditions.
These winter additions join the existing dual EV portfolio, which includes the SportActive 2 EV plus, SportActive 2, and FE2 – all distinguished by the EV Ready sidewall marking.
Brian McDermott, PCR Sales Director Europe for Giti Tire, reflected on the success of the dual EV strategy since its launch in June 2023: "When we first launched the dual electric vehicle strategy we called it a game changer, little did we know just how welcome it would be in the marketplace and how white-hot sales would be."
He added that every GT Radial stockist has reported that the clear identification system is making their operations significantly easier, particularly at the point of sale where simplification is crucial. "Most important, the customer knows the tyre is the right choice for their own vehicle and can drive with complete confidence," McDermott noted.
The GT Radial dual EV approach was conceived, designed and engineered at Giti Tire's European Research & Development Centre in Hannover, Germany.
Through exclusive collaboration with Micheldever Tyre Services, GT Radial's dedicated EV tyre range is readily available to distributors nationwide, ensuring a reliable supply chain and enabling dealers to meet customer demands promptly and efficiently.
Tagged with: GT Radial WinterPro, EV-ready tyres, winter tyres UK, rolling resistance, wet grip, electric vehicle tyres, independent garages, tyre labelling regulation, Micheldever distribution, Giti Tire R&D
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