Product
Cooper Tire Launches New Winter Tire
Cooper Weather-Master WSC offers superior winter performance and a premium design
FINDLAY, OHIO, JULY 16, 2010 - COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY (NYSE:CTB) recently launched its latest advancement in winter tire performance — the Cooper Weather-Master WSC. The tire was introduced to a select group of dealers and media in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., in February.
The Weather-Master WSC (which stands for Winter and Snow Confidence) represents the next generation of tires designed to deliver superior winter performance. This tire's unique directional design, combined with a high silica tread compound, is ideally suited for the toughest winter conditions. The WSC was developed for drivers of newer SUVs, CUVs, smaller pickups and some passenger car applications looking for improved traction on winter's slushy and snow-covered roads. Applications include but are not limited to the BMW X3, Lexus RX350/450, Mazda 3 and 5, Lincoln MKS, Toyota Rav-4 Sport, Nissan Murano and Ford Explorer Ltd.
"With the launch of the Weather-Master WSC, Cooper will continue to provide consumers with the most dependable winter tire products on the market today," said Chuck Yurkovich, Cooper's vice president of global technology. "This new product is the result of the company's technology-driven focus and commitment to enhancing product quality and performance."
This tire uses a proprietary high-silica, specialized polymer, low modulus tread compound, designed to provide superior ice, slush and wet grip even in extreme cold temperatures, providing performance and confidence at every turn. Its innovative directional tread design with patented Snow Groove technology improves snow acceleration and handling, while micro-gauge sipes offer the biting edges necessary to provide improved traction in snow and on ice for a more confident driving experience. For additional traction on icy surfaces, the WSC offers a 132 stud count utilizing a 12 row stud pattern for superior grip capability when studded to help hold the road.
The Cooper Weather-Master WSC meets the industry's severe snow service requirements and is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. It features a winter-themed sidewall styling and eight half-worn indicators which provide the vehicle owner a quick and accurate view of tire wear. Available in North America, the WSC will initially be offered in ten T-rated sizes, from 17- to 18-inch rim diameter sizes.
About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located in 10 countries around the world. For more information on Cooper Tire visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire, or twitter.com/coopertire.