Longtime aftermarket wheel distributor Wheel Gallery, Inc. recently acquired exclusive rights to locally distribute noted off-road wheel expert Method Race Wheels.
US-headquartered Method “designs, develops, and distributes high performance wheels and accessories for race and street applications.” Method involves itself in high-profile off-roading events to “push the limits of its products,” notching wins in competitions like the Dakar Rally, Baja 1000, and King of the Hammers.
The competition application of Method’s products not only lends credibility and reputation; the company considers this as valuable “R&D… (which) separates (it) from other wheel companies in the marketplace.”
With a proprietary motto of “lighter, stronger, faster,” Method now makes its portfolio available to Filipino buyers through Wheels Gallery. Of note, the distributor will be the first globally to make the MR107 Bead Grip wheel available to the public. “This is the same wheel used on the factory Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux in the Dakar Rally,” the company reported in a release. The wheel is said to reflect Method’s years of off-road racing experience and technological expertise. It can “withstand the harshest conditions while boasting a load rating of up to 4,000 lbs.”
Method Race Wheels Global Sales Director Matt Harris shared, “Wheel Gallery has proven to be an automotive aftermarket leader in the Philippines and we are excited to partner with a well-known and established brand to bring our industry-leading products to market. Our commitment to customer experience, product quality, and persistent innovation will be represented well through our new partner. We also look forward to visiting the Philippines soon to explore trails with the off-road community.”
For his part, Sam Liuson of Wheels Gallery/Concept One Wheels said during the online announcement of the partnership that his company not only develops but keeps abreast of global trends in wheels since Concept One was launched in 2002. He noted how the market has been shifting to SUVs and 4x4s and is even “making headway in the US, especially in the field of motorsports.”
Going back to the MR107, its Bead Grip technology keeps tires in place even with lower pressure as is customary when off-roading. Method has tested a pressure as low as 10psi of inflation—even without the use of a mechanical beadlock ring which is “a first in automotive wheel engineering.” Still, its officials have cited reports of users going lower than that figure.
The MR107 also boasts lower weight when compared to traditional beadlocks wheels, “(allowing) for less strain on vehicle drivetrain while simultaneously unleashing more available horsepower to the driver.” Method Race Wheels has a lifetime structural guarantee, and a two-year warranty on the finish – the longest in the industry.
Perhaps most significantly, the Bead Grip product is safe for even on-road use. Traditional beadlock wheels are prohibited from being used on roads because they require meticulous maintenance and regular re-torquing. Replying to a question from The STAR, Liuson said that lifestyle items such as apparel will also eventually make their way to the Philippines and will be available for purchase.
Concept One Wheels is located at 318 Santolan Road, San Juan. Authorized dealers will also get the Method Race Wheels. For more information, visit www.conceptonewheels.ph.