Vipal Rubber has launched the VT290 pre-cured tread for truck drive axles, targeting regional and long-distance transport on European highways and paved roads. Offered in five widths from 240 to 280 mm, the new tread carries M+S and, according to Vipal, 3PMSF markings for use in severe snow conditions.
Vipal Rubber has added the VT290 to its European commercial vehicle retreading range, positioning the new tread for drive axles in regional and long-distance road transport.
Available in widths of 240, 250, 260, 270 and 280 mm, the VT290 is intended to cover a range of commercial vehicle tyre dimensions used by retreaders, distributors and fleets.
Vipal says the tread design has been developed to provide traction and stability across dry, wet and snowy conditions. Side sipes and grooves are intended to support self-cleaning and the evacuation of snow and mud, while tie bars between the tread blocks are designed to increase structural stability.
The company also says the block arrangement distributes drive torque more evenly across the tread, with the aim of promoting more uniform wear. Vipal has not, however, published comparative mileage, wet-grip or fleet-test data alongside the launch, so those performance claims remain manufacturer statements.
Frederico Schmidt, general manager of Vipal EMEA, said the VT290 had been developed around the characteristics of European roads and climate, while commercial manager Fabrício Nedeff described the product as an additional option for fleets and Vipal's regional partners.
The winter marking is a relevant part of the launch. Vipal says the VT290 carries both M+S and the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake, or 3PMSF, symbol.
Under the current UN approval framework, UN Regulation No. 172 specifically covers the snow performance and, for applicable tyre classes, traction classification of retreaded tyres produced using pre-cured tread or mould-cure processes. Its severe-snow provisions include use of the Alpine, or 3PMSF, symbol where the required snow-performance criteria are met.
The updated UN Regulation No. 109 framework for commercial vehicle retreads also explicitly requires relevant UN R172 certificate documentation for applicable pre-cured tread applications, including the approved tyre-size range and tread-pattern information.
That regulatory distinction matters because M+S and 3PMSF should not be treated as interchangeable descriptions. The latter is linked to defined severe-snow performance requirements within the approval framework.
VT290 is an extension of an existing winter-capable Vipal portfolio rather than the company's first move into this area. Earlier in 2026, the VT520 became the 19th Vipal tread reported to have obtained 3PMSF status.
For European retreaders and fleets, the specific addition is therefore a new drive-axle option aimed at mainstream regional and highway operations while retaining severe-snow capability.
Vipal's launch information does not state the VT290's UN R172 approval reference, tread depth, detailed tyre-size matrix, country-by-country availability or comparative performance figures.
Tags: Vipal Rubber, VT290, truck tyres, tyre retreading, drive axle tread, 3PMSF, M+S, commercial vehicle tyres, European fleets, UN R172
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