Goodyear launches UltraGrip Ice 3

Goodyear has announced the launch of its latest non-studded winter tire, UltraGrip Ice 3. The innovative product takes a step forward in performance and fulfilling market needs.

Developed specifically for the unique requirements of the Nordic market, it is part of Goodyear’s most comprehensive winter line-up. UltraGrip Ice 3 will be available from Q2 2023.

The trend towards bigger and more powerful vehicles, is reflected by larger tire sizes with the 19’’+ segment having an average growth rate of 44% year-on-year¹. The UltraGrip Ice 3 responds to the market trend by offering a variety of sizes ranging from 15" to 21" to fit a wider range of cars, from passenger to SUV, compatible for internal combustion engine, electric and hybrid vehicles.  This is also reflected by 80% of the total 43 available sizes being 17" and larger fitments.

According to a 2021 consumer survey conducted by Buzzback², respondents ranked grip, value for money and durability as the most important winter tire features. For non-studded tires like the UltraGrip Ice 3, quietness, value for money and a trusted brand were cited as the most important factors consumers consider.

Cutting edge technologies for leading performance

With a range of innovative features, Goodyear sets  performance benchmarks in non-studded tires. A recent test by the independent Nordic testing authority UTAC (former Test World) confirms that, compared to four premium competitors, UltraGrip Ice 3 leads in traction, braking and handling on ice as well as snow-handling.⁷

The tire is based on latest technologies which take its performance to a next level. Special features make it a perfect fit for a wide variety of vehicles, including powerful and heavy SUVs and EVs.

Ice Handling+ Technology consists of an optimized contact patch, increased by 20%⁴, offering excellent handling performance on Ice, even when used on heavier vehicles.

Snow Braking Technology features an optimised tread design with a higher sipe density and a larger number of tread blocks, leading to 21%⁵ more gripping edges and improved braking performance on snow, even under high load.

Ice Grip Technology comprises an innovative compound that provides better ice contact. It is 35% softer at low temperatures than its predecessor³, thus keeping elasticity and offering excellent grip even in extremely cold conditions.

At the same time, this new compound is more wear resistant and, together with a 20%⁴ increased contact patch, copes with the strong torque of EVs.

Thanks to that new compound and other tire features UltraGrip Ice 3 is also EV-ready. On the one hand, rolling resistance has been reduced by up to 10%⁶ which improves vehicle efficiency and EV range. And on the other hand, a new noise cancelling pattern design reduces exterior sound by up to 2 dBA across the range ⁶. In addition, SoundComfort Technology is added to 25% of the sizes in the range in 2023 and to 50% in 2024, resulting in a noise reduction inside the car of up to 50% (up to 4 dBA).⁸

 UltraGrip Ice 3 fits amongst the latest and most popular vehicles in the market, such as BMW iX1, Ford Mustang Mach-e, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Hyundai Kona, Lexus RS, Nissan Ariya, Tesla Model 3, VW ID.4 / ID.5 or VW ID.Buzz.

Sonia Leneveu, Director Marketing Consumer Europe, Goodyear: “We are excited to introduce the outstanding UltraGrip Ice 3 to our trade partners, especially developed for the Nordic winter conditions. Providing them with an outstanding non-studded tire, which meets very high demands of their customers and fits a wide range of cars.”

Comprehensive line-up comprising 43 SKUs with 3 new sizes

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(1)       ETRMA - Denmark excluded. Runflat & Light Truck excluded.

(2)       Buzzback "Studded Tire Exploratory and Claims Evaluation" 2021.

(3)        Vs UltraGrip Ice 2.

(4)       Internal test vs UltraGrip Ice SUV Gen-1, 2022.

(5)       Internal test vs UltraGrip Ice 2, 2022.

(6)       Internal tests vs predecessors, UG Ice SUV Gen-1 & UG Ice 2, 2022/23

(7)     Compared to the four latest available designs from main competitors in the Nordic friction segment (Pirelli Ice Zero FR, Michelin X-Ice Snow, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, Continental VikingContact 7). Tested by UTAC (formerly Test World) in December 2022 and January 2023 by order of Goodyear. Tire size tested 245/45R18 100T&H XL, test car BMW 520i, test location: Ivalo, Lapland. Full details of the test report can be found at https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/tire-test-reports.html.

(8)      Depending on the type of vehicle, its speed and road surface. Based on internal vehicle road measurements, tested February 2018, January 2018, November 2017 and October 2011 by Goodyear engineers in Luxembourg. Tyre size: 225/55R17 on VW Passat Alltrack and Ford Kuga and 255/45R18 on Audi A7.