Steven Miller (left), general manager of Goodyear Jamaica, finance director Andrew Peart (centre) and Manoel Marini De Almeida, director of finance, Goodyear Brazil, explain the features of the Wrangler tyre at Goodyear Jamaica's annual general meeting, Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, Monday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Goodyear Jamaica Limited will introduce the Wrangler line of tyres to the local market in a matter of months as the company tries new strategies to rebuild sales.

General Manager, Steven Miller, said at the company's annual general meeting Monday that the product would be fully on the market by September, the end of the third calendar quarter.

"As business managers, part of our responsibility is sourcing and selling an optimal set of products for this market," said Miller.

"We have distilled what the consumer needs and we are working to match those needs with the proper offerings from Goodyear."

The Wrangler features SilentArmor technology, with two zones: one armoured for strength, and the other for a smooth and quiet ride.

The armour zone is made up of a two high-tensile steel belts and a layer made with Dupont Kevlar, which is five times stronger than steel, providing strength and toughness.

Durable material

There is also a durawall sidewall compound, which resist cuts and punctures in the sidewall area of the tyre and a rugged rim guard that protects expensive wheels against accidental damage.

The quiet zone, also made of Kevlar, helps to soak up road noise.

Still to be determined, said Miller, is the price of the range - four sizes are already neing tested here - the full suite of which will be rolled out, said Goodyear, with the formal launch of the product.

The package will include a 50,000-mile/80,000-kilometre tread life limited warranty, 30-day no-obligation trial period, nationwide warranty service, and off-road assistance. The Wrangler target market is light trucks and sport-utility vehicles, said Miller.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com