Tokyo—The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that it will expand marketing of its “BluEarth RV-02” tires, currently sold in Japan and Asia, to Europe, gradually rolling out the tire across the continent from this summer. In Europe, the “BluEarth RV-02” tires will be available in 35 sizes, ranging from 245/35R20 95W XL to 195/65R15 91H. The tires have secured the highest grade “A” ranking for wet grip performance under Europe’s tire labeling system. They also have “C” grade for rolling resistance.

The market of crossover SUVs and minivans in Europe is dramatically growing and leading to diversification in driver demands on tire performance. European drivers are, in particular, demanding tires that deliver better on-road performance such as wet grip and quietness.

In addition to the basic concept of a fuel-efficient tire that performs well in wet condition, the “BluEarth RV-02” was developed with a view toward suppressing the tendency of tall and heavy vehicles to shake, resulting in uneven tire wear, while also delivering a superior quietness. The tires provide drivers of tall and heavy vehicles, such as minivans and SUVs, with a greater sense of stability when driving on rainy days. They also contribute to an unusually quiet ride that facilitates conversation not only between the driver and a seat passenger but also with passengers in the second and third seats, often a challenge in box-type vehicles in which noise tends to reverberate throughout the cabin.

“BluEarth” is YOKOHAMA’s “environmentally, human and socially friendly” global tire brand realizing not only excellent environmental performance, but reducing specific burdens on drivers, passengers and surrounding living environments – friendly performance. The “BluEarth RV-02” is one of the latest additions to Yokohama Rubber’s “BluEarth” lineup in Europe, which already includes the high-performance and fuel-efficient “BluEarth-A” as well as the series’ new fuel-efficient global standard tire, the “BluEarth-Es ES32”, which will be launched this spring.