KLEVER S/T EV tires were engineered specifically to support the performance, efficiency and value proposition of Slate’s upcoming electric pickup

AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kenda, a global leader in tire and wheel manufacturing, has been selected by Slate Auto as the official original equipment (OE) tire supplier for the company’s new electric pickup, The Blank Slate. Through the partnership, Kenda will provide its KLEVER S/T EV tire, developed specifically to meet the unique performance, efficiency and durability requirements of Slate’s highly anticipated electric vehicle.

More than a traditional supply agreement, the collaboration brings together engineering teams from both companies to research, develop and manufacture a tire solution tailored to the Slate truck’s weight, torque characteristics, efficiency targets, ride and handling requirements, and anticipated driving conditions. Kenda has also been selected as the supplier for Slate’s accessory tire offerings, helping customers personalize their vehicles while maintaining the performance, safety and quality standards established for the platform.

“As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Kenda remains committed to delivering innovative tire technologies that meet the needs of both manufacturers and its consumers,” said Jimmy Yang, Global President, CEO and Chairman of Kenda Industrial. “Our collaboration with Slate Auto represents an exciting opportunity to support a company that is reimagining electric mobility through accessibility, personalization and practicality. We are proud to contribute our engineering and production expertise with our EV-focused technology to help bring The Blank Slate to market.”

Slate Auto has generated significant attention across the automotive industry for its unique approach to electric vehicle ownership, focusing on affordability, simplicity and personalization. As the company moves toward production, selecting a dedicated OE tire supplier marks an important milestone in establishing a production-ready vehicle and supply chain.

The KLEVER S/T EV tire was engineered specifically for the Slate truck application and incorporated features designed to address the vehicle weight and instant torque associated with EVs. The tire utilizes a low rolling resistance design to help maximize efficiency and driving range, while reinforced construction supports durability, handling performance and tread life. Development of the tire has been supported by Kenda’s American Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, where engineers work closely with automotive manufacturers to create customized solutions for emerging mobility platforms.

“This partnership reflects Kenda’s continued growth in the original equipment automotive market and our ability to develop purpose-built solutions for next-generation vehicles,” said Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President of Automotive for American Kenda Rubber. “The KLEVER S/T EV was designed to address the specific challenges EVs present, from increased vehicle weight and instant torque to efficiency and ride comfort requirements. Working alongside Slate throughout the development process has allowed us to create a tire solution that complements the vehicle’s performance while supporting its affordability and personalization goals.”

The Kenda KLEVER S/T EV tire will launch as original equipment on The Blank Slate when the vehicle enters production in November 2026, with availability aligned to Slate Auto’s production schedule.

For more information on Kenda, visit www.kendatire.com. To learn more about Slate Auto or to start your customizable preorder, head to www.slate.auto.

About Kenda

Founded in 1962, Kenda is a global leader in tire development and manufacturing. With over 14,000 employees and factories worldwide, Kenda continues to expand product offerings in the automotive, bicycle, powersports, trailer/specialty, and wheelchair markets. Kenda takes pride in operating under the core values of honesty, innovation, quality, and customer service to provide the highest level of products and services to customers across the globe. For more information, please visit www.kendatire.com

About Slate Auto

Slate is a new American company building vehicles that people can afford, personalize, and love. Established in 2022, Slate was founded on a disruptive business model of simplifying the manufacturing process and reindustrializing America. Slates are designed to achieve the highest safety ratings, and will be assembled at a reindustrialized factory in Warsaw, Ind. Slate will invest nearly $400 million into the factory, create 2000+ jobs in Warsaw, and contribute up to $39 billion to Indiana’s economy over 20 years. For more information, visit www.slate.auto.

The Zimmerman Agency
Kenda@Zimmerman.com 

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SOURCE Kenda Tire