With national production halted, consumers are starting to pay close attention to the prices of remaining tire stocks, especially for mass-market models like the Fiat Cronos, Argentina's best-selling car. A price survey conducted by the Argentine News Agency (Agencia Noticias Argentinas) on major e-commerce platforms shows a significant dispersion of values between the national brand and its imported competitors, both from entry-level and premium segments. How much does a FATE tire for a Cronos cost? For the standard Fiat Cronos size (185/60 R15), the Fate Sentiva Sport model is available at a price range of $151,676 to $200,576 per unit, depending on bank promotions and installment plans offered (some sellers provide up to 18 fixed installments). This positions the national product in a mid-range segment, being above budget Chinese brands but below top-tier international firms. Imported competition: prices and options The market offers options for all budgets, evidencing the strong competition that the national factory faced. Entry-level (Asian brands): These are the most affordable options. That is, they cost almost 50% less than a Fate tire. Mid/High-range (Traditional brands): In this segment, prices rise considerably. Dunlop SP Sport: From $125,000 to $228,000 (with extended financing). Continental PowerContact 2: Around $179,999. Pirelli Cinturato P1: Ranges from $180,000 to $207,000. Bridgestone Ecopia: Reaches values of $147,287 to $253,872 in its versions with the most financing. Market conclusion The scenario reveals that FATE had been 'trapped' in a difficult price range: it was significantly more expensive than Chinese tires that flooded the market with values below $100,000, but its price was very close to (or even higher in some specific cases) renowned global brands like Continental or Bridgestone, which hindered its competitiveness in the user's final purchase decision. Tires like Landsail, Firemax, Mastersteel, or Triangle can be found between $93,246 and $102,240. BUENOS AIRES, Feb 18 (NA) -- The definitive closure of the FATE plant in San Fernando has had a strong impact not only in the industrial and labor sectors but also in the automotive replacement parts market.
