Taking centre stage at Nankang’s booth in the recent CITEXPO 2017 were two new tyres –Nankang Conqueror AT-5 and Cross Sport SP-9.
“The AT-5 is built to handle a variety of conditions and capable of handling any off-road terrain while maintaining respectable road manners; Suitable for pickups, SUVs, crossovers and other 4x4s. Its zigzag grooves provide traction on all terrain including muddy, gravel or snowy roads, and enhance the tyre’s driving ability on rugged and rough roads,” said Taka Lu from the Export Department of Nankang Rubber Tire Co, Ltd.
Other features, he continued, included the interlocking central blocks design to increase tyre stability on rugged and tough roads. The stepped wall on its central sub grooves expelled gravel via the stepped edges while the tyre was rolling. It also prevented lodged stones from cutting the blocks. Block stiffness was enhanced and irregular tyre wear prevention was achieved through the connection bars design between blocks. Furthermore, large voids and circumferential grooves facilitated water and dirt dispersion to enhance all-terrain performance and improve wet traction and handling.
Currently, the AT-5 was available from 15 to 20-inch sizes in Light Truck (LT) and non-LT models.
Lu said the evolution of today’s sophisticated Crossovers and SUVs led to the development of the Cross Sport SP-9. Featuring a touring tread pattern that reduced tread noise and a balanced blend of performance, comfort, traction and tread life, he stressed that the Cross Sport SP-9 was the perfect choice for a refined driving experience. Its asymmetrical tread design allowed for simple tyre rotation configuration to reduce uneven wear resulting in a longer lasting ride.
“Apart from that, the handling and water dispersal of the SP-9 is enhanced through its four circumferential grooves. Its optimised siping pattern delivers improved wet traction and control, and its angle tread blocks support lateral grip for exceptional handling. The risk of hydroplaning is greatly reduced by lateral grooves that dissipate water.”
Sizes range from 15-24 inches and come with H, V, W or Y-speed rating.
