State-of-the art engineering, robust performance and competitive pricing make this range of on/off-road tires uniquely appealing.

Over the last two decades, demand for light trucks and SUVs has exploded. Today, in both Canada and the U.S. light trucks count for over 80% of new vehicle sales and on the used market, many trucks and SUVs tend to hold their value and continue to prove highly sought after.

This popularity has also seen the demand for SUV and pickup oriented tires to increase exponentially, further facilitated by the aging of the vehicle fleet. Additionally, the rise in the cost of living over the last five years has also resulted in more and more consumers looking to maximize value with every purchase they make, especially when it comes to large ticket items such as vehicles and tires.

Premium capability, superior value
This is something that Sailun Tire Americas (STA) has been acutely focused on, since it first entered the North American market in 2005. Sailun’s range of Terramax tires are specifically aimed at truck and SUV owners with the emphasis on delivering premium capability and performance, at a consistent, value-oriented price point.

“We believe the principles for the Terramax are consistent with the rest of the Sailun brand,” explains Wayne Cuculuzzi, Vice President, Products and Product Development at STA.

He acknowledges that the fast-growing truck and SUV segment is a very important one for STA. Feedback, testing and evaluation from Sailun’s last-generation products have continued to drive the brand forward, ensuring it manufactures a range of tires that offer the right balance of on and off-road capability, suit all manner of drivers in all kinds of operating conditions, while at the same time deliver top-tier quality and robust warranties at a price that’s highly competitive within the marketplace.

Purpose-built
“From feedback we’ve had on previous products, we’ve been able to deliver purpose-built tires for the on/off-road segment,” says Cuculuzzi. “Our new Terramax AT2, as well as the new Terramax RT and Terramax M/T are prime examples.” Cuculuzzi explains that it is critical that each tire Sailun offers in this segment has the right blend of on and off-road performance and road manners, as well suiting the driving style and requirements of all different kinds of motorists and under all types of road and weather conditions, ranging from dry pavement, to loose gravel, rocks, muddy and rutted surfaces, as well as rugged off-road trails and of course wet and slippery conditions. Cuculuzzi also emphasizes the need for having solid warranties that back up the premium quality, that tires like the Terramax range provide.

“In terms of value, we provide top-tier quality and warranties that support what we sell.” He also notes that as an added value, Sailun also provides free replacement Road Hazard Protection on all passenger and light truck tire fitments for 3/32nd inches of tread depth or up to two years. “This provides an added layer of protection for the consumer when they purchase a set of Sailun Terramax tires,” Cuculuzzi explains.

State-of-the-art
Often, tires that are aimed at the value tier segment of the market are seen as compromising on engineering and quality in an effort to be purchased at the best possible price. Sailun’s approach is entirely different. STA operates a state-of-the-art Research and Development Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that focuses on developing tires specifically for the North American market, incorporating proprietary technology and utilizing extensive testing and evaluation to deliver a product that offers premium quality and performance, at a truly value-oriented price point.

“Our goal is to always be improving,” says Cuculuzzi. “The process always starts with listening to what the customer wants/needs to advance upon existing products in order to meet the newest market requirements.” He notes that STA is then able to leverage its best-in-business R&D, engineering and testing capabilities to enhance the range of Terramax tires available to consumers in Canada and the U.S. “Our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility enables the production of these large, heavier duty truck and SUV tires as a matter of routine.”

Strong partnerships
Besides R&D, engineering and manufacturing, STA has also established strong partnerships with leading tire distributors and retail networks in Canada. “We are very fortunate to have partnered with these retail and wholesale operators,” Cuculuzzi states. “They represent some of the best of the business in North America, being highly experienced, professional and extremely knowledgeable—ensuring that consumers get the best advice and knowledge in the industry, when it comes to purchasing their next set of tires.”

Cuculuzzi acknowledges that when it comes to the Terramax range of products and Sailun’s entire portfolio of tires, the objective is providing best-in-business and best-in-class value. “Our goal is always to punch above our weight class in quality while delivering a price that provides exceptional value for the consumer across every segment in which we operate.”

Terramax AT2
Designed to elevate the driving experience via superior traction both on and off-road, the Terramax AT2 features an aggressive open shoulder tread pattern with deep sipes and sturdy centre rib. Combined with advanced compounding the result is an all-terrain tire that offers exceptional stability and a quiet ride while delivering superior off-road capability on surfaces ranging from gravel roads, to muddy construction sites and any type of weather imaginable. Featuring 3PMS certification, the AT2 was launched in 44 different sizes, with 19 P metric and 25 LT/floation sizes to cover the top OEM and plus size fitments.

Terramax RT
An aggressive 3PMS certified Rugged Terrain (R/T) tire, the Terramax RT features significant tread depth to maximizing off-road performance including superior traction in soft soil, while at the same time minimizing on-road noise and delivering superior refinement. Sturdy sidewalls with proprietary anti-tear rubber compounding extend into the sidewall to aide off-road capability and appearance while stone ejectors prevent small rocks from being wedged into the tread. The Terramax RT comes in 36 sizes and can fit wheels ranging from 17-22 inches with flotation sizes in 35, 36 and 37 inches. All LT versions of the Terramax RT are also pinned for studs for added versatility.

Terramax M/T*
Featuring a rugged, three-ply sidewall with added abrasion protection and added biting edges, the Terramax M/T is a highly capable mud terrain tire aimed at serious off-road use in both wet and dry conditions. It has an aggressive self-cleaning tread design to deliver maximum grip on uneven surfaces, with a wide and deep tire pattern, which, combined with an open-shoulder design further enhances grip, stability and ride quality while also effectively dissipating mud at both low and higher speeds. The Terramax M/T is offered in a whole range of popular OEM replacement sizes from 15 to 20-inch wheel applications. It also boasts industry leading road hazard protection and delivers some of the best on-road manners of any tire in the mud terrain segment.

*Currently offered in Canada only