General Tire has introduced a new all-season tyre to its Grabber range, with the company positioning the Grabber Cross A/S as a balanced option for drivers who divide their time between tarred roads and gravel travel.
The tyre, developed under the tagline ‘Fast roads, tough trails’, is aimed at the crossover and sport utility vehicle segment, which has recorded consistent growth in South Africa and internationally in recent years. According to the manufacturer, the Grabber Cross A/S is intended to offer dependable handling on paved surfaces, resistance to aquaplaning, seasonal adaptability, extended tread life and capable traction when used off-road.
Dustine Gascoyne, Market Manager of Continental Tyre South Africa, said the product was developed in response to changing consumer preferences in the local market.
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"South African motorists are increasingly choosing crossovers and SUVs that offer versatility for both everyday driving and weekend adventures. The Grabber Cross A/S has been developed specifically for this growing segment, combining the comfort and performance drivers expect on the road, with the durability and traction needed when venturing off the beaten track. We are also proud a portion of the range is produced locally at our manufacturing facility in Gqeberha."
The tyre is designed around an 80/20 on-road to off-road usage ratio and features a stiff tread compound with cut and chip resistance. The manufacturer says this configuration provides reliable grip on gravel and in more demanding off-road conditions, while also offering improved puncture resistance compared to standard road tyres.
On wet tar surfaces, the tread pattern includes transverse and longitudinal sipes to maintain grip, while an open shoulder design is intended to aid water evacuation and reduce the risk of aquaplaning. On dry roads, support elements between tread blocks are incorporated to stiffen the structure and promote even pressure distribution, which the company says contributes to precise steering response and consistent mileage at higher speeds.
The tyre includes hexagonal tread blocks with biting edges for loose-surface traction, and chamfered groove edges to enhance off-road capability. The compound used is formulated to resist cutting and chipping when used on rough terrain.
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Several technologies featured elsewhere in the Grabber range are also present in the Cross A/S. Duragen Technology employs thicker steel belts to improve stability and protection across mixed-surface driving, while Comfort Balance Technology uses a cushioned tread layer and an acoustic pattern to reduce road noise and vibration.
In terms of EU tyre label classification, the Grabber Cross A/S achieves a rolling resistance rating of C or D depending on size and specification, a wet grip rating of C, and a rolling noise rating of B. The sidewall also carries an ‘EV Compatible’ mark, indicating suitability for electric vehicles.
General Tire is offering 32 sizes for the South African market, ranging from 16 to 22 inches in diameter. Speed ratings go up to 240 km/h (V-rated) on certain sizes.
A number of the sizes in the range are produced at the Continental Tyre South Africa plant in Gqeberha, which has operated in the Nelson Mandela Bay area since 1947. The company has indicated that additional locally produced sizes will be added over the coming months.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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