Warrior passenger tires are about to enter the United States for the second time. The tire line was re-introduced by Double Coin Holdings Ltd. and the China Manufacturers Alliance LLC at the 2013 Global Tire Expo in Las Vegas.
Two models, both M&S rated, were showcased in the Double Coin booth (No. 40195). They are:
1. The Warrior R29, a premium all-season tire engineered with a symmetrical tread design. It is available in 24 sizes ranging from 155/70R13 75T to 195/50R15 82V. Target market: smaller fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
2. The Warrior R30, a high performance all-season tire engineered with an asymmetrical tread design for additional performance and handling. It is available in 11 sizes ranging from 205/65R15 94V to 225/50R17 94V. Size 205/50R16 87V is under development. Target market: mid-size vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
"The quality of Warrior tires make for an ideal option and profit opportunity as a first replacement tire," says Ken Coltrane, vice president of consumer tires for CMA. "They are engineered to have excellent mileage, safety and speed ratings.
"Our plan of partnering with respected dealers and retail outlets nationwide to offer these quality tires… is one that will include the strategy of service after sale."
Warrior tires are backed by the "Warrior Protection Promise," which is made up of the following:
* a 30-day satisfaction guarantee (full refund, plus the cost of mounting and balancing);
* free roadside assistance, including free flat tire repair;
* a limited tread wear warranty (50,000 miles for the R29, 60,000 miles for the R30); and
* Double Coin's manufacturer's warranty, with free replacement up to 50% of tread life (plus the cost of mounting and balancing).
Coltrane said CMA plans on supporting its dealers out of two warehouses. CMA's first warehouse was opened in Memphis in 2007. It's second, in Rancho Cucamonga, is expected to open in the first half of next year.
Warrior tires are manufactured in a joint venture plant owned by Double Coin and Groupe Michelin. The Chinese facility will be able to produce 15 million consumer tires annually by the end of 2017.
Warrior will be a mid-Tier Two tire. "We will work with dealers on pricing," said Coltrane.
CMA also displayed two other Warrior lines: an ultra-high performance tire and a winter tire. There is no timetable for their introduction into the United States market, said Coltrane. There is also no timetable for Warrior SUV or light truck tire lines.
The Global Tire Expo, run by the Tire Industry Association, is part of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show.
