DIAMOND BAR, Calif.—Car makers Hyundai Motor Group, Kia Motors Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Co. Ltd. have selected the Nexen Roadian GTX grand-touring tire as OE fitments on four 2021 model-year vehicles: Hyundai Tucson; Kia Sorento HEV; and Mitsubishi Outlander CUVs; and Kia Sedona minivan.
Nexen Tire America Inc. describes the Roadian GTX—which debuted at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas—as an "affordable price-point" all-season grand-touring tire designed for the growing crossover and midsize-SUV vehicle segment in North America.
The tire offers "outstanding" durability, ride comfort and affordability, Nexen said, "ensuring every consumer's needs are met all while giving drivers a long-lasting tire solution at an affordable price."
John Hagan, executive vice president of sales for Nexen Tire America, said it was important for the company to partner with "the leading OE brands in the market to provide our customers and theirs with a leading tire solution worthy of these premier vehicles.
"From the moment a customer drives off the lot in their new CUV, they can remain confident knowing that the Roadian GTX will deliver superior ride quality and incredible reliability."
Nexen did not release the sizes it's supplying for these new vehicles nor say on which trim levels the GTX will be OE.
Hyundai's latest Tucson compact crossover—to be offered in both long and short wheelbases as well as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid—will hit U.S. showrooms in the first half of 2021, after debuting in South Korea in September.
The redesign of Hyundai's bestselling U.S. nameplate features angular sheet metal and fender flares. Under the hood, the Tucson will offer a 2.5-liter, direct-injection, four-cylinder gasoline engine or a 1.6-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection hybrid or plug-in hybrid setup.
Kia's fourth-generation midsize crossover Sorento will be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options that use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine for greater power and efficiency.
Mitsubishi's next-generation Outlander, based on Nissan's Rogue midsize crossover platform, replaces the current Outlander that's been on the market since 2014.
Kia's fourth-generation Sedona minivan is larger than the current model.
Nexen Tire dealers in the U.S. will begin to stock OE-specific Roadian GTX tires this month. The tire is available in 34 sizes covering 17- to 22-inch rim diameters.
Nexen recently launched a mobile app that the company said is designed to provide improved support for its dealer network by helping generate customer leads, showcase Nexen products in a user-friendly interview, streamline communication from customers and simplify the sales process.
