Press Release

Hyogo, Japan – June 13, 2019 – Toyo Tire Corporation (Headquarters: Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture; President: Takashi Shimizu) announces that it will supply its “OPEN COUNTRY” series of off-road tires for SUVs and support some of the teams in the 24th Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR, commonly termed the “Asian Rally”) 2019 off-road race from Thailand to Myanmar, which will be held over the seven-day period from August 10 (Saturday) to August 16 (Friday) of this year.

　　　　　　　　　(Last year’s race)

AXCR is the biggest international rally in Asia, holding an equal ranking with the Dakar Rally in terms of cross-country rallies sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile [International Automobile Federation] (FIA). Held in August every year since 1996, it comprises some 2,200 km of grueling driving under MOTO/QUAD/SIDECAR and AUTO classes. The rally has been held in regions that typify the local road surfaces, nature, and climate in Asia.
The 24th to be held, this year’s rally is scheduled to begin on August 10 (Saturday) in the beach resort of Pattaya, Thailand and finish in Naypyitaw, the capital of neighboring Myanmar on August 16 (Friday).

Toyo Tires will supply “OPEN COUNTRY M/T” off-road tires for pickup trucks/SUVs to the team of four-time defending champion Nuttaphon ANGRITTHANON and “FLEX SHOW AIKAWA Racing with TOYO TIRES” led by actor Sho Aikawa. The company will also supply “OPEN COUNTRY M/T-R” tires, which will be available in Japan from July 1 of this year, to teams competing with Suzuki Jimnys and support the earnest driving of the drivers challenging themselves in this grueling off-road race.
In addition, this will be the first off-road race for Masato Kawabata, our contract driver who belongs to the drift team “Team TOYO TIRES DRIFT.” He will compete as a part of the “FLEX SHOW AIKAWA Racing with TOYO TIRES” team, aiming for a high rank.
 
■ OPEN COUNTRY series

We have accumulated ability and results through continued participation and winning of internationally renowned races including the “BAJA 1000” – often considered the world’s most grueling off-road race, and improved the tire durability and resistance to external damage required for pickup trucks, SUVs and CUVs to a high level. The “OPEN COUNTRY” series, which combines aggressive pattern design with exceptional basic performance, is highly evaluated and supported as a tire brand – especially in America, where large SUVs are most popular.

■ OPEN COUNTRY M/T

With “M/T” standing for Mud Terrain, the OPEN COUNTRY M/T is a full-fledged SUV/CCV tire for off-roading with performance and durability designed for driving on any road surface, as well as rough terrain and muddy ground. Its aggressive yet functional tread design not only supports driving in poor conditions, but also improves traction and braking performance. The tire has a tough structure that applies the know-how accumulated through such off-road races and makes it highly resistant to external damage.

■ OPEN COUNTRY M/T-R

“OPEN COUNTRY M/T-R” (Tire size: 195R16C 104/102Q), which will be available in Japan from July 1 of this year, is a tuned-up-for-racing version of the “OPEN COUNTRY M/T” full-fledged pickup truck/SUV tire for off-roading that is highly evaluated in North America.

(Reference)

■ Rally Summary

Name	The 24th Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2019 (Abbreviated term: Asian Rally)
Sanctioned by	International Automobile Federation (FIA) Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT) Association of Motorcycle Sport Club 360 Degrees
Organized by	R1 Japan
Supported by	Tourism Authority of Thailand Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar Olympic Committee, Naypyidaw Council, Kayin State Government, Mon State Government, Bago Region Government