Wheel Mate Products (WM Golf) is pleased to announce that effective Jan 1st 2019, all future cast Aluminum rim and tire assembly builds will be mounted exclusively on Kenda Specialty tire fitments. According to Mackin spokesman Rick Bailey, ‘we have anticipated this ‘GO-Live’ date ever since the passage of Section 301 China Tariff increase which became effective the beginning of Q4 this year. This tire line-up includes both the 205/50-10 K399 Turf ProTour and 205/65-10 K399 Turf Load Star tires. Equally impressive, Mackin is pleased to be the first authorized distributor nationwide to stock inventory for the all NEW KART-MASTER LSV/PTV KR20 ‘True Automotive Steel-Belted Radial (S.B.R.) Tire Design.’ According to Bailey, Sales Director for WM Golf, Kenda claims this to be the first tire design specifically made for Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) and Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTV) used on golf courses and in golf course communities nationwide. This undertaking has taken Kenda close to 3+years in development. A significant factor (so we hear) was the initial investment made by Kenda to tool up for small diameter radial construction specialty fitments.
Bailey, furthermore added that Kenda claims a number of benefits when running the Kenda S.B.R. tire package as compared to standard Bias-Ply construction to include:
- Symmetrical, Directional Tread pattern with excellent drainage capability
- Dramatically improved ride performance offering precise steer control and predictable grip
- Improved rolling characteristics for extended cruise range
- Improved tire wear characteristics
- E-Marked and Reach compliant for international market requirements
Bailey, indicated that a Pilot Test was conducted alone in the Coachella Valley exclusively using the two Kenda S.B.R. tire fitments with more than 1,400 combined units sold Y-T-D. He added, ‘That’s 350 cars providing S.B.R. exposure in the field driving future sales. ‘We continue to experience increasing demand for this segment as evidenced with no slow-down in sight’. Mackin is also pleased to play a vital role in helping support the launch of a key OEM account to the advantages of S.B.R assembly technology which will issue the beginning of Q1, 2019 to authorized dealers nationwide.
Mackin is pleased to be onboard with a strategic partner like Kenda with more than half a century of specialty tire development. Bailey adds, ‘where else do you turn when you need and deserve the absolute best in rim and tire assembly selections… Bailey bias of course! With a combined Industry tenure between Kenda and Mackin backed by close to a CENTURY of experience, it is fair to conclude that you are in SAFE hands with so much of your vehicle and occupants riding on your rim and tire appointments. Kenda is working on additional SBR fitment releases in 2019, most of which will be available through Mackin.
As added protection, Kenda directs end users from their website to D.O.T. register their KR20A tires in the event of a future recall campaign. Bailey added, ‘now that’s a worth-while investment at any cost’…go figure… one will be hard pressed to identify any other LSV/PTV/ Golf specialty tire supplier who is credentialed to offer similar protection treatment. For further full program information, contact Mackin @800-821-6025 or visit www.flickr.com/photos/135441349@N07/albums/.
