MEMPHIS. China's Double Coin Holding Ltd. (DC) and CMA, its North American marketing subsidiary, debuted six new Double Coin truck tires across three product lines as well as a "giant off-the-road" (OTR) tire at a news conference here at its Memphis Distribution Center. In addition, the Shanghai-based tire manufacturer and importer discussed its national accounts program, its dealer/distributor network and the launch of a government/school bus net-pricing program.
Top executives were on hand from both the Chinese parent firm and the Monrovia, CA-based North American marketing operation for the briefing. They delved not only into the new products, but also discussed how Double Coin, which entered the U.S. and Canadian truck market in 1992, is focused on a value proposition that can be summed up as producing quality products at Tier 3 price points—all while it continues to grow as a major supplier of tires for both commercial and automotive applications amidst the rapid economic growth of its domestic market.
CMA president Mike Yang said the investments in new products serve as a differentiator for Double Coin in the U.S. and Canadian truck and off-road heavy vehicle markets. CMA vp Aaron Murphy pointed out that Double Coin was "tasked to come out with new innovative products and variations on existing tires, which led to this introduction of three fuel-efficient tires" for tractor-trailers (pictured) as well as new regional P&D, mixed-service and giant off-road tires. All the new tires are additions to the Double Coin lineup.
"The fuel-efficient FR605 steer, FD405 drive and FT105 trailer tires are "ultra premium" models, said Murphy, and were "developed from scratch to be EPA Smartway-certified." He noted that the certification process is still under way. However, he added that internal lab testing indicates 3% better fuel efficiency for the trailer tire; data acquisition for the drive and steer tires is not complete yet. DC chief engineer Hangbin Su said the "use of advanced tread compounds as well as internal construction design" results in both low rolling resistance and longer mileage for these tires. The fuel-efficient trio will soon enter fleet testing here and will be available for sale in the third or fourth quarter of this year.
Double Coin also introduced two tires aimed at the regional/P&D market: the RR680 all-position steer and the RT600 low-profile all-position steer. According to CMA vp Walt Weller, both feature a premium five-rib design with wide shoulders to provide for durability and even wear. The RR680 has a deep 19/32nds original tread depth and the RT600 features sidewall protection against curbing.
Also new is the RR202 five-rib highway tire for mixed-service applications, such as waste hauling. Weller noted it carries a 10,000-lb load-carrying capacity and boasts a durable casing to provide long original tread life and multiple retreads. The tire maker also announced its new giant off-road product—the REM-11 3700R57 tire, aimed at severe mining and hauling applications.
On the customer support front, Double Coin updated its dealer footprint. Murphy said Double Coin's retail channel consists of independent tire dealers and distributors offering some 950 "points of sale" locations. He noted that all product sold in North America is dealer-delivered, including for customers enrolled in Double Coin's national accounts program, which requires purchasing at least 1,000 tires a year.
A new net-pricing program was announced for government and school bus fleets. According to Weller, the program "formally publishes a TBR and ROTR schedule and contract number so that anyone who requires a published program can purchase Double Coin tires."
