Yokohama debuts new regional drive tire, announces price increases

Yokohama Tire Corp.’s newest commercial offering—the 716U ultra wide-base (UWB)—is a weight-saving drive tire available now in the U.S. in size 455/55R225.

“The 716U UWB is designed specifically for waste, recycle, and on/off-road severe-service operations where maximizing payload capacity really counts,” Tom Clauer, Yokohama’s senior manager of commercial product planning, said in a release. “With its reliable all-season traction and durable construction, it really is the perfect drive tire for the job.”

Benefits of the Yokohama 716U UWB tire

• Increased payload capacity: The 716U UWB has a load range M (22 PR). The replacement of traditional duals with Yokohama’s four UWB tires reduces unsprung weight without compromising total carrying capacity, allowing for a larger payload per trip.
• Aggressive traction: Zig-zag grooves enhance traction and wet-weather grip by efficiently evacuating water away from the tread.
• Built to last: An advanced compound resists scrubbing, cutting, and chipping for long, original tread life. Plus, a zero-degree belt adds stability for a consistent stable footprint and long, even wear. Additionally, the funnel-shaped step grooves prevent stones and debris from reaching the bottom of the groove where casing damage occurs, and an extremely durable casing with an extra-thick sidewall resists damage from potholes and curbing, and allows for increased retreadability.

Yokohama also announced Oct. 4 that it will increase prices on all of its commercial truck tires sold in the U.S., effective Nov. 1. The increase comes with continued escalation of operational costs, according to a separate company release.