Get a grip with high-performance tyres

"The Long Trail focuses on sporty precision handling and high-speed cornering, yet comes with a rigid structure that provides superior traction and durability in light trails and off-road conditions," BF Goodrich Thailand managing director Panthep Supachaiyakit said. "The growing market for SUVs has brought the need for such a tyre that gives a bit of both worlds, while still focusing on performance and a quiet ride."

The Long Trail will cost between Bt2,500 and Bt6,000. Itwill be available in sizes ranging from 15 inches to 17 inches. The Long Trail tyres are available at all Tyre Plus centres and BF Goodrich tyre centres. The company began selling its tyres earlier this month.

About 15 per cent of all the tyres changed in Thailand every year are for SUVs and the market is growing at a rate of about 10 per cent every year. This has led to other tyre-makers launching similar products. In recent times, Goodyear has launched the Wrangler HP and Michelin has launched the Latitude.

The Long Trail is produced in Thailand, China and United states. While some sizes of the Long Trail are produced locally, larger sizes are imported from the US for sale in Thailand.

Until now, BFGoodrich had been a brand that was popular only among the motorsport fraternity. The company is now focusing on a larger customer base and is increasing its marketing activities in Thailand.

"We see our presence in motorsport as a huge advantage as it lets people know about the high performance that BFGoodrich is capable of. We will use this to leverage our products," Panthep said.