Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that it will introduce a new studded tire for passenger vehicles, the "iceGUARD Stud iG55," into the northern Europe and Russian markets ahead of the 2014 autumn/winter snowy season. The "iceGUARD Stud iG55" seeks to improve tire performance on icy surfaces while improving stud retention. The tire is available in sizes from 13 inch to 20 inch.

The tire's development was based on a complete revision of the tread pattern, stud shape, and tire compound. The new tread pattern maximizes the tire's contact with the road surface and enhances the edging effect. The new pattern also features an aggressive design intended to increase the tires' snow and water discharge capability. The "iceGUARD Stud iG55" features a newly developed shape for the studs and stud holes, with the new design optimizing tread thickness around the studs and stud hole allocation. The tire compound has been applied water absorbing technology with "iceGUARD" series studless tires. The compound also incorporates our proprietary Orange Oil, which enhances gripping power. The application of these technologies has significantly boosted the tires' performance on ice and their ability to hold the studs.

The "iceGUARD" brand is Yokohama Rubber's global winter tire brand. It is marketed in many countries in northern Europe, Russia, North America, and Asia.