Tokyo–The Yokohama Rubber announced today that it will launch sales of a new all-season tire for vans, the “BluEarth-Van All Season RY61”, in Europe and Russia from spring 2021. The new van tire will be available in 23 sizes, from 225/55R17C 104/102H to 195/70R15C 104/102T.

All-season tires can be used through all four seasons for driving in various road conditions, from dry and wet roads to snow-covered roads, enabling users to drive safely in any weather. Yokohama Rubber sought to develop a tire that would meet the rapidly rising demand for tires that increase user convenience by eliminating the need to change tires every season. The new “Strong and Smooth, Whatever the Weather” “BluEarth-Van All Season RY61” provides the wear resistance and durability demanded of van tires while contributing to a powerful and comfortable driving performance in various road conditions. The new tires have received European certification as safe winter tires and will bear the three peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) marking on their sidewalls, further proof of their reliable performance on snow.

The new tire’s tread pattern features YOKOHAMA’s unique “Triple WD Groove” that combines a zigzag groove in the center to achieve a stable grip on snow with two straight grooves on each side that deliver superior water drainage. “Snow-Biting Sipes” have been applied to the tire’s shoulder to enhance the edging effect. In addition, large blocks placed in the tire’s center and shoulders ensure a wide ground contact area, enhancing handling performance and wear resistance. The tire’s compound is a blend of three different polymers, which enhances wear resistance and durability. In addition, the compound's use of a large amount of silica contributes to an optimal balance between wet performance and fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the sidewall features an innovative “Anti-Cracking Serration” design that prevents sidewall cracking.

Yokohama Rubber has been strengthening its lineup of all-season tires, which in recent years have been attracting greater interest in Japan and overseas as an alternative to using summer and winter tires. In addition to the new “BluEarth-Van All Season RY61”, YOKOHAMA’s BluEarth-4S AW21, introduced in 2018 as an all-season passenger car tire, also has acquired the three peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) marking.