Goodyear's newest Wrangler adds strength with Kevlar

AKRON—Strength and durability are among the hallmarks of Goodyear's newest Wrangler tire offering, performance properties that are reinforced with one of DuPont's most recognized brands.

Goodyear this month launched the all-season Wrangler Steadfast HT light truck/SUV tire, touting it as the company's "strongest performing highway tire to date." That, Goodyear said, is due in part to Kevlar aramid fibers in the tire tread for enhanced heat resistance and puncture from potholes and other road hazards.

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"When engineering the Wrangler Steadfast HT tire, we wanted to introduce a new level of premium to the highway tire category," Michiel Kramer, Goodyear's director of consumer product marketing, said in a statement. "Steadfast stands for 'firm in purpose'—and with an innovative tread and sidewall design that offers drivers a long-lasting and comfortable ride, along with enhanced wet traction and Kevlar durability—Wrangler Steadfast HT is built to handle whatever adventure comes its way."

Goodyear markets the Wrangler Steadfast HT as its longest-lasting highway tire, a performance trait credited in part to the balanced tread compound and the Kevlar reinforcement fibers. In addition to a quiet ride, the new tire is designed for enhanced wet traction and handling, performance properties attributed to the Wrangler Steadfast HT's deep, wide grooves.

Backed by a 70,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, the new tire also features built-in wear gauge for easy tread depth readings.

The Wrangler Steadfast HT launches with 22 sizes, covering 16- to 22-inch rim diameters. And Goodyear touts the tire as a fitment for SUVs, CUVs and light trucks, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Yukon, Lincoln Navigator, Ford F-150 and Expedition, among others.

The release of the Wrangle Steadfast HT is part of a new era for the Wrangler lineup. Goodyear will be phasing out production of the Wrangler Fortitude HT tire and replacing it with the Steadfast HT and recently introduced Workhorse HT tire line.

DuPont's Kevlar material is among the company's most recognizable brands, thanks in part to its use in products for first responders. Still, DuPont says, the material is more diverse in its potential, and it is finding application in a number of automotive areas including tires, thermal management and electric vehicle charging.

Tire Business contributed to this report.