Goodyear Launches Fuel Efficient Truck Tire Technology

(Akron/Tire Review) Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. today unveiled a new fuel efficiency technology that the company said can deliver up to 4 per cent better truck fuel economy. Goodyear’s Fuel Max Technology was launched in a new line that includes steer, drive, trailer tyres and retreaded tyres for line haul operations.

Goodyear tyres featuring Fuel Max Technology include the Unisteel G395 LHS steer, Unisteel G305 LHD drive and Unisteel G316 LHT trail tyre in sizes 11R22.5, 295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5. Goodyear also is offering UniCircle and precure retreading with Fuel Max Technology. The tyremaker said it estimates a 4 per cent improvement in fuel economy in real-world applications even though SAE testing showed the technology can improve truck fuel efficiency by some 8 per cent, Goodyear officials said.

“The potential fuel savings with Fuel Max Technology will help customers reduce their operating costs,” said Steve McClellan, vice president of Goodyear’s commercial tyre systems. “The use of innovative tread designs, along with advanced compound and manufacturing technologies, allowed us to drive improved fuel economy while maintaining a low cost-per-mile for our customers.

“Operators can put existing casings to work utilizing our new technology,” McClellan said. “And because retreads match the same innovative tread designs of our new Fuel Max tires, that’s a huge advantage for our customers.”

The three fuel-efficient tyres will be built in Goodyear’s Topeka, Kansas, and Danville, Virginia, manufacturing plants.