The M939 studless tire from Toyo Tire will be available for fitment to trucks and buses from August 8, 2023. The tire’s development was influenced by a survey by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism which found that the amount of snowfall per day in the country had increased while the cumulative annual snowfall had decreased. Accordingly, Toyo designed a versatile tire capable of handling deep snow and frozen surfaces as well as snow-free asphalt.
To deliver the required performance in ice-covered conditions and increased wear resistance, Toyo designed the M939 with sipes in the tread surface, combined with large, stiff connecting blocks placed in a circumferential direction which move only a small amount during driving to reduce uneven wear.
Toyo states that the M939’s estimated wear life has been enhanced by 7% compared to the company’s M929 tire, with uneven wear reduced by 45%.