New Falken flagship tire now available here
AS JAPAN-HEADQUARTERED international tire brand Falken marks 40 years since its founding, JM Far East, Inc., its exclusive distributor here in the country, recently introduced the Azenis FK520L, which takes its place as the flagship model in the country’s portfolio.
The product, according to JM Far East President and CEO Winston Manabat in his speech during the recent formal launch of the model, is a direct successor of the brand’s popular FK510 ultra-high-performance tire, which it improves upon.
The FK520L, he maintained, addresses the general automotive trend that sees “bigger, wider, and longer” vehicles. “(This is) dictating the direction of tires.” Obviously, with larger vehicles come a bump in weight — along with the commensurate gains in torque and horsepower.
Mr. Manabat added that that Falken portfolio is reflecting this size bump, as it features 74 tire sizes for wheels measuring 12 to 16 inches, and more than double that number (155) for wheels 17 to 22 inches in size. He also attributes the disparity in the number of models in the continuing and increasing popularity of crossovers, which bear larger wheel wells. “That’s why you have to have bigger-diameter tires… and we are still adding more sizes.” The trend is also seeing the trickling down of products once meant for more expensive vehicles to entry-level ones — a change that Falken is seeking to capitalize on as it now caters to a wider demographic.
Back to the made-in-Japan FK520L, it is said to benefit from the brand’s substantial experience in motorsports. “The innovative Azenis FK520L ensures impeccable handling, providing unmatched stability and control at all speeds,” the company said in a release.
Product highlights include a new asymmetric tread pattern that “(ensures) optimum road contact, high braking force, and stability and control in wet conditions,” and a new composition promising 10% longer service life and an eight-percent improvement in dry performance. It also gets an Aramid Layer Reinforcement for better cornering and increased high-speed stability. Aramid is a tough material (stronger yet lighter than steel, insisted Mr. Manabat) used to make bulletproof vests.
The newest iteration of the aforementioned FK510 has also been “honored with multiple awards by different trusted organizations, further emphasizing its global acclaim and excellence,” said JM Far East in a release. The Falken Azenis FK520L is now available at authorized dealers nationwide. — Kap Maceda Aguila
