Bridgestone to Launch Ecopia EP100 Fuel-Efficiency Tyre

Bridgestone is set to compete in terms of fuel efficiency with the launch of its new Ecopia EP100 passenger car tyre. According to the company, the tyres will boast “outstanding braking performance in wet conditions in level with the B’Style Ex tyre as well as a 30 per cent reduction in rolling resistance.” The tyre will go on sale from 1 April 2008 in 195/55R16, 185/65R15 and 195/65R15. There are said to be plans to expand this range in a stepwise manner. Prices are all set at the manufacturer’s recommended retail price.

The Ecopia EP100 employs the Ecopia compound, which applies Bridgestone’s NanoPro-Tech tecnology to reduce rolling resistance. In addition, the tread pattern has rib-linked blocks and high-angle lugs for improved braking performance in wet conditions at a level equivalent to the B’Style Ex.

Bridgestone appears to developing its green credentials with the new product range. One area of focus is the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, a topic of debate around the world at the moment. In calculating carbon dioxide emissions at each stage of the tyre lifecycle, from raw materials to disposal, it was discovered that 87 per cent of total emissions occur during the usage stage.