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Posted by: BenNC Jan 21 2007, 10:59 AM

Just heard about this on NPR


2006 Press Releases
KUMHO Introduces World’s First “Aroma Tire” For Select Passenger Vehicles
U.S. market will carry limited lavender tires, and later, orange and jasmine scents
KUMHO Tire USA...December 21, 2006...announces the introduction of the world’s first fragrance automotive tire, the ECSTA DX. The project is the “fruition” of more than a year’s worth of research and development to deliver an alluring aroma tire that replaces the normal “black rubber” smell with heat-resistant oils in the scent of lavender, and in later versions, neroli (orange) or jasmine. Visitors to www.kumhotireusa.com can find the nearest Discount Tire store or TireRack.com will ship them for installation.

ESCTA DX
Lavender Scent
According to Rick Brennan, Brand Director for KUMHO, the company is selling the DX aroma tire to help build brand awareness and highlight KUMHO’s tire technology. The tire is targeted at female consumers who drive such sedans as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, Chrysler Sebring and Ford Taurus.

In addition to a unique aroma, the ECSTA DX is engineered to deliver low noise levels and ride characteristics on par with the leading tire brands. Ride comfort is maintained throughout the life of the tire through the use of tread elements designed to provide uniform linear stiffness. Optimized pitch sequence and variable pitch lengths help minimize noise, while a straight center rib provides high-speed stability.

The DX features four wide grooves that help evacuate water, while a silica compound improves all-weather performance and wet traction. High tensile steel belts and a jointless nylon cap ply also help improve noise, ride comfort and durability, while an undertread reduces unwanted heat buildup for consistent performance.

The ECSTA DX Aroma tire will be sold through Discount Tire stores and TireRack.com starting in the first quarter of 2007 in three sizes: 205/60R16 (MSRP $119), 215/60R16 (MSRP $125) and 235/60R16 (MSRP $138). The tires can be delivered and affixed to passenger vehicles at a KUMHO tire dealer.

Posted by: KaptKaos Jan 21 2007, 11:24 AM

These on a set of Ronal Bear rims would be sweet!

Posted by: ClayPerrine Jan 21 2007, 11:33 AM

They need one that smells like a Daisy to put on the Daisy rims!

Posted by: trekkor Jan 21 2007, 12:14 PM

I hope they make 710's that smell like roast prime rib or pizza. Maybe beer, garlic fries or bratwurst with sauerkraut.


KT

Posted by: Brew Jan 21 2007, 12:42 PM

Who's the marketing genius that thought this up?

Posted by: scotty b Jan 21 2007, 12:51 PM

Probably some doofus with a 911

Posted by: JPB Jan 21 2007, 07:18 PM

Oh ya, well I'm gonna market a set of of of yokohamas with the pheromones needed to attract Swedish chics and hot babes of such. We will call it, TESTOSTERUS XXX!!!

Posted by: scotty b Jan 21 2007, 07:21 PM

Please put me on the waiting list You can also put me on the list for the "hot German, hot spanish, as well as the hot Japanese and hot Korean lists". I have enough cars to support all groups, just need to get a couple more road werthy














Damn I'm lonely

Posted by: PinetreePorsche Jan 21 2007, 09:43 PM

So if we burn a lot of rubber doing donuts, the whole place gets stunk up! Lets go back to the 20th c.

Posted by: trekkor Jan 22 2007, 12:32 AM

If you do donuts, it's possible the area may actually smell like *donuts*.




KT

Posted by: Mark Garriott Jan 22 2007, 01:24 AM

So the target audience for the Ecsta DX is female consumers. What about the pacifier chewing, swim goggles wearing, glow-stick waving kids? Are they the target consumer for the Ecsta C?

Posted by: blitZ Jan 22 2007, 08:51 AM

So you're supposed to hang one from your rear view mirror??