RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.—Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has awarded Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. a contract to supply Falken-brand tires for 2016 Chrysler 200 models destined for export.
FCA will fit the export-designate Chrysler 200s with Falken Ziex ZE914 Ecorun radials in size 215/55R17, according to Rancho Cucamonga-based Falken Tire Corp., Sumitomo's U.S. sales subsidiary for the Falken brand.
The ZE914 is designed to provide reduced rolling resistance combined with precise handling and long wear performance. The tires will be supplied to FCA's assembly plant in Sterling Heights, Mich.
This is SRI's second contract with FCA to supply the Ziex 914 EcoRun as OE on export-destined vehicles. In 2014 FCA started fitting Jeep Compass and Patriot models being sold in various markets outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Anthony Lee, Falken's OE technical manager, said the company is “extremely excited to continue building our relationship with FCA U.S.—being on an award-winning vehicle such as the Chrysler 200 plays a vital role in our OE expansion.”