Goodyear Super Fuelmax prototype truck tyres will be unveiled at the 2016 IAA commercial vehicle show in Hanover this September. The prototype steer and drive tyres, which boast fuel saving A EU label grades, will be fitted to one of the trucks on display at the DAF stand, which all stand out in highest fuel efficiency.
The Goodyear prototype truck tyres displayed are the Super Fuelmax S steer tyre in size 385/55R22.5 and Super Fuelmax D drive tyre in size 315/70R22.5, and are a further development of the very successful low rolling resistance Goodyear FUELMAX range. At the IAA, these tyres will be mounted on a fuel efficiency optimized DAF XF 4×2 tractor unit. In addition to their outstanding rolling resistance with A EU tyre label grades, the drive tyre qualify for the 3 Peak Mountain and Snow Flake (3PMSF) winter tyre certification. The super fuel efficient prototype tyres demonstrate Goodyear’s commitment to developing innovative products that reduce Total Cost of Ownership for fleets thanks to low fuel consumption – a key cost factor for fleet operators.
“The new Goodyear Super Fuelmax prototype tyres illustrate our commitment to innovative transport solutions”, said Benjamin Willot, Director Marketing Commercial Tyres at Goodyear Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The EU tyre label covers just three performance criteria but before we bring any new product to market it must meet our stringent requirements covering 50 different performance criteria. The Super Fuelmax A grade rolling resistance tyres demonstrate our commitment to develop advanced fuel saving truck tyres for our customers with a balanced performance in the other important criteria.”
Both the steer and the drive tyres’ tread compounds feature a specifically developed new formulation based on silica. Thanks to a combination of material processing and curing, the silica blends with the polymer network in a way that further reduces rolling resistance while ensuring long tread life.
The tread design of the Super Fuelmax S steer tyre features the tried and trusted IntelliMax Groove Technology. This limits slip, especially when cornering, thanks to hidden raindrop grooves, which close when rolling through the footprint. The ribs support each other reducing their movement and stiffening the tread.
The tread blocks of the Super Fuelmax D drive tyre have been re-designed and the stiffness of the blocks has been improved. Combined with the low rolling resistance tread compound, the overall tyre design results in a noticeably improved fuel efficiency compared to current Fuelmax D. Re-engineering has further decreased rolling resistance, while offering a balanced performance in other important criteria areas. IntelliMax Rib Technology has been introduced between the central and intermediate ribs to stiffen the tread for low rolling resistance, high mileage and regular wear, thanks to the inter-locking elements.
Goodyear was the first tyre manufacturer to bring a truck tyre to market that met the A grade rolling resistance requirements of the EU Tyre Label. This was the 385/55R22.5 LHT II trailer tyre. Goodyear currently offers the Goodyear Fuelmax T in size 385/55R22.5 and 435/50R19.5, which is an A grade fuel efficient truck trailer tyre.
Together with the Super Fuelmax steer and drive prototype tyres, Goodyear customers could benefit from a combination of A grade EU tyre label tyres in rolling resistance on steer, drive and trailer positions.