Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • War in Ukraine
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • Airless Tires
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Ask the Expert
    • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
    • Rubber In Automotive Conference
    • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
February 26, 2019 01:00 AM

Federal rolls out hybrid light truck tire, Xplora MTS

Don Detore
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Don Detore, Tire Business
    Jamie Ma (left) and Steve Hutchinson show off the new Xplora MTS.

    REDONDO BEACH, Calif.—Federal Corp. has launched a hybrid product that is a cross between a mud-terrain tire and a directional, ultra-high-performance tire.

    The Xplora MTS was designed for the "urban cowboy," according to company executives who rolled out the new tire during a business meeting and ride-and-drive event held at the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach.

    The tire launches in 20-, 22- and 24-inch rim diameters, with 17- and 18-inch versions due out in the fourth quarter. Production began in January and initial orders are due to arrive in late March or early April.

    "The Xplora MTS tread design has a brave, out-of-this-world kind of look," said Federal Tire Chairman Jamie Ma, who was one of several company executives on hand for the rollout.

    "It reminds most people of some fearless futuristic product from Star Wars or Transformers lore.

    "We had private showings at SEMA and received such positive feedback that we decided to bring the prototype MTS to market without any changes," Ma said.

    Don Detore, Tire Business

    Xplora MTS production began in January and initial orders are due to arrive in late March or early April.

    The Xplora MTS has received design awards from Red Dot, the international product design awarded by the design Zenturnm Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany. It also has received design awards from Good Design, an industrial design program organized annually by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.

    Federal said the tire features:

    • V-shaped grooves that improve rigidity and protect against chips and cuts;
    • An armor appearance tread design with massive tire blocks, providing enhanced steering and traction for stability, safety and performance;
    • Wide directional grooves that reduce aquaplaning on wet roads while providing comfort and reduced noise; and
    • Linear shoulder blocks that improve steering control.

    Federal is targeting light truck enthusiasts who care more about the styling of their truck and likely have added accessories such as steps, a lift kit, custom paint or aftermarket bumpers.

    "They tend to see their truck as an extension of their own personality...rugged yet trendy, tough yet urban, finished with great detail," said Steve Hutchinson, adviser to the chairman.

    Among the vehicles Federal is targeting with the new product are the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee; Ford F-Series and Ranger; Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado and GMC Sierrra; Toyota Tundra and Tacoma; and Nissan Frontier and Titan.

    Federal said the tires will be produced at its factory in Taiwan and be priced between $289 (20-inch) and $669 (24-inch).

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Michelin's hydrogen partners: 4 things to know about Symbio's stakeholders
    2
    Rubber board urges stabilization of NR prices
    3
    Continental brings ‘Continuity' to drive belt portfolio
    4
    Is worst of new-vehicle inventory shortage in rearview mirror?
    5
    Methods to the madness: Smithers pins 4 processes for sustainable carbon black
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • War in Ukraine
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • Airless Tires
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • Healthcare Elastomers Conference
        • Rubber In Automotive Conference
        • Women Breaking the Mold Networking Forum
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
      • Ask the Expert
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION