Once a leading brand (it was the first to market a Tubeless tire in 1950), Kleber is much less visible to the general public today. Purchased by Michelin in 1981, it has become a mid-range brand that guarantees low prices, with fewer new products than the owner of Clermont-Ferrand. However, in 2010, Kleber had the first to launch the Quadraxer, a four-season tire that Michelin refused to offer in its own range. The second generation of this Quadraxer is now available.
4-season tires have never been popular. However, a few years ago, manufacturers realized that there may be a demand, and took action to offer suitable products. Goodyear has therefore offered its Vector (now in its second generation), Hankook its Optimo 4S, Nokian its WeatherProof and more recently Pirelli its Cinturato All Seasons. Michelin did not initially want to be present on this market. It was his Kleber brand that was solici
ted for this. In 2010, Kleber had the Quadraxer in its range, an all-season tire that allowed the Michelin group to be present in the market. Well, this market, once a niche market, has exploded to reach more than 10 million tyres per year in Europe. Such a progression that Michelin entered the dance world in 2015 with its CrossClimate, which is one of the successes of recent months.
Kleber is not forgotten, however. Now a "pioneer", it is now introducing the second generation of its Quadraxer, so that it can compete on a level playing field with its most recent competitors. And it puts the little dishes in the big ones, with 9 sizes more than the Quadraxer 1, of course there is progress between the two generations, thanks to a totally different sculpture:
- a range rated B for wet braking (a very good score for an all-season tire)
- 3.5 meters less braking distance on dry ground
- 1.6 meters less braking distance on wet roads
- a 9-month increase in life expectancy
The tire still displays 3PMSF and M+S markings, which indicate its predisposition to drive in winter conditions. Be careful, however, we can never remind you enough: a 4-season tire will never have the same performance on ice or snow as a real winter tire. For drivers who live in sensitive areas (mountains for example), therefore, continue to remove/replace your winter tyres.