3 Oct 2008
Nashville, Tennessee -- Toyota Motor Corp. has picked Bridgestone-brand Dueler Run-Flat tyres as original equipment on its 2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport as part of the Sport Appearance Package.
The Dueler H/L 400 RFT, size P235/55R18 99H, is the first run-flat application on the RAV4 crossover vehicle, according to Bridgestone/Firestone (BFS). The tyre comes with reinforced sidewalls featuring proprietary Bridgestone Side Support Run-Flat technology to support the vehicle in the event of air pressure loss.
The Sport Appearance Package also features electronic on-demand 4-wheel drive and 269-hp, 3.5-liter V6, according to Toyota. Dueler RFT tyres continue to function up 50 miles at 50 mph after a loss of air pressure, BFS said. This functionality allows Toyota to eliminate the spare tyre on the Sport Appearance Package, BFS said. The RAV4 normally carries a full-size spare tyre/wheel mounted against the vehicle's rear hatch.
Toyota makes the RAV4 crossover at its plant in Woodstock, Ontario, according to Automotive News. BFS also supplies 16-, 17- and 18-inch tyres for standard RAV4 models.
BFS said 15 other Toyota vehicles come standard with Bridgestone- and/or Firestone-brand tires: Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Corolla, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Matrix, Prius, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Yaris.
From Tire Business (A Crain publication)
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