EMT Runflat Tyres By Goodyear Are #1 Worldwide

Goodyear, with nearly 50 original equipment runflat tire fitments sourced, about to begin or under evaluation, has become the world leader in runflat tires. “Eight major automakers worldwide are using or evaluating Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires,” said Goodyear Chairman and CEO Sam Gibara on the eve of the Frankfurt auto show. “There are more Goodyear EMT runflat tires on the road than any other brand,” Gibara said.

The latest EMT fitment is on the Mini of the BMW Group which will have Goodyear Eagle NCT 5 EMT runflat tires as an option. Consumer desire for runflat tires is at an all-time high, Gibara added. In the U.

S., for example a recent J.D.

Power study found that nearly seven out of eight consumers place run-flat tires at the top of their list of features desired on new automobiles. Goodyear data show similar consumer preferences in Europe. “Runflat tires and low-tire-inflation monitoring systems are top-of-mind for consumers, and Goodyear is well-positioned to take full advantage of this trend,” Gibara said.

The company has runflat tire manufacturing capability in Fulda, Germany, and at plants in the U.S. “Given the renewed consumer and media attention to tire safety, it’s not surprising to see run-flat tires and low-pressure warning systems continue to gain acceptance,” Gibara said.

“Specifically tuning run-flat tires on new and exciting cars is the best way to increase runflat applications and expose consumers to the advantages of runflat tires,” Gibara said. “We will be announcing more OE fitments down the road.” Goodyear’s EMT runflat tires are developed at the company’s technical centers in Luxembourg and Akron, Ohio.

The company also is working with inflation-pressure sensor firms and industry standards groups worldwide to implement runflat tire performance guidelines and standards for the global automotive industry. First used as an option on the 1994 Corvette, Goodyear’s EMT became standard on that car in the 1997 model year; the world’s first standard OE fitment of a true runflat tire. Another factory fitment of Goodyear EMTs is on Daimler-Chrysler’s Prowler.

Goodyear’s other safety and mobility initiatives include a joint venture with Michelin to further develop the PAX system. Additional joint development liaisons are being evaluated, both in Europe and the U.S.