Engineered for Nordic winters. Shatter the ice, respect the road: UltraGrip Arctic 2 updated

As winter tire regulations evolve across the Nordics, Goodyear is evolving with them by upgrading its studded winter tire UltraGrip Arctic 2. The tire is now engineered to comply with the latest Traficom A+ regulations, reinforcing its commitment to future-ready winter tire solutions for the Nordic markets.

Designed for extreme winter conditions, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 has been updated to reduce road wear[1] and comply with the new Traficom A+ requirement[2], which will apply to all newly produced studded passenger car tires from 1 January 2027. The update introduces a new stud pin geometry while retaining the same number of studs, without compromising the trusted winter performance that drivers rely on.

As part of this evolution, Goodyear is also simplifying the product naming. Going forward, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 name will cover all sizes, with the previous SUV product line designation discontinued, creating a clearer and more streamlined portfolio.

The updated tires will be clearly identifiable, featuring a Traficom A+ sticker. In addition, the updated UltraGrip Arctic 2 range will also comply with the latest UNECE regulation[3]. As such, the tires will feature three additional sidewall markings: An updated 3PMSF symbol including the “Ш” character, Ice symbol and the word “STUDDED”, enhancing transparency and regulatory alignment across markets.

Importantly, these updates underline Goodyear’s ability to meet new regulatory demands while maintaining the trusted winter performance of the UltraGrip Arctic 2, preserving its strong reputation for grip, control and reliability on ice and snow also in the future.

“We are continuously evolving our products to anticipate regulatory developments and customer needs. With the updated UltraGrip Arctic 2, we are ensuring drivers are ready for upcoming requirements while continuing to benefit from the outstanding winter performance they expect from Goodyear,” said Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director, Product Development Consumer EMEA Goodyear.

Expanded UltraGrip Arctic 2 Range for a Changing Vehicle Parc

Alongside the product update, the UltraGrip Arctic 2 range is also expanding, with seven additional SKUs, all in 18 inches and above. The total portfolio now reaches 122 SKUs, strengthening coverage in the rim sizes that increasingly define new vehicle fitments in the Nordics.

Including vehicles such as Audi e-tron, Volvo EX60 & EX40, KIA EV5, Skoda Enyaq to Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen Tayron and ID. Buzz, the expanded lineup provides fitment coverage across a broad and evolving vehicle parc.

UltraGrip Ice 3: Strengthening the Non-Studded Offering

Goodyear is also expanding its non-studded UltraGrip Ice 3 range with 18 new SKUs, bringing the total to 130 SKUs. Today, 80% of the portfolio sits in 18 inches and above, reflecting the continued shift toward larger rim sizes.

The expanded range improves compatibility with newer electric and high-spec vehicles such as Mercedes GLB EQ, Volvo EX60, Nissan Leaf, Skoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.7 and Renault 5.

Engineered for Nordic winter conditions, UltraGrip Ice 3 combines a softer compound for enhanced ice grip, an optimized footprint for stability on heavier vehicles, and a high sipe density for strong traction, braking and acceleration on snow.[4]

Recognized in multiple Nordic winter tire tests[5], it continues to deliver reliable performance in real-world winter conditions.

[1] Performance improvements are based on internal testing comparing the updated UltraGrip Arctic 2 with the previous version of the product

[2] Traficom - Technical requirements for and type-approval of studded tyres for vehicles

[3] UNECE R 164. https://unece.org/transport/documents/2023/12/standards/un-regulation-no-164-amend1-0

[4] https://news.goodyear.eu/goodyear-launches-ultragrip-ice-3/

[5] https://news.goodyear.eu/goodyear-ranks-1-in-winter-tire-performance-across-europe/

https://news.goodyear.eu/new-goodyear-ultragrip-ice-3-on-top-in-multiple-nordic-winter-tire-tests/