Goodyear, Dunlop Perform Well in Winter Testing

The Goodyear and Dunlop brands have achieved excellent notices in the latest round of independent tyre tests for winter tyres. Both labels are hoping to capitalise on these successes on the testing track with commercial success throughout Europe. Winter tyres account for about 30 percent of total European consumer replacement tyres, so it is understandable why the companies are keen to grab a greater piece of the market. The results of these tests are generally seen as important factors in European motorists’ winter tyre buying decisions, and with the use of winter tyres a lawful requirement in several European countries, including Austria, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltics, they could prove particularly interesting to the companies.

Independent tests by the ADAC, Germany’s leading automobile club, and the auto magazines AutoBild, Stitung Warentest and Auto Motor und Sport, singled out for praise the Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip 7+, the Dunlop SP Winter Response and Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Meanwhile Test World, the leading testing organization based in Finland, and Swedish motoring magazine Motorforaren had words of praise for Goodyear’s Ultra Grip Extreme and the Ice Navi ZEA respectively.

Arthur de Bok, president of Goodyear’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region was pleased with the results: “Even in a soft economy and market, we believe European motorists will read the results of these tests and choose ’peace of mind‘ when it comes to operating their vehicles in winter conditions. The outstanding performance ratings from these respected independent sources should provide us strong sales traction in Europe.”

Ultra Grip 7+ tops ADAC tests

The ADAC compared 20 winter tyres under a variety of winter road conditions. The Goodyear Ultra Grip 7+, in size 195 65R15T, secured first place along with the coveted designation of “highly recommended.” In addition, the Dunlop SP Winter Response also earned the “highly recommended” rating. The ADAC also tested 17 winter and two all-season tires under a variety of wet, icy and dry road conditions. Once again, the Goodyear Ultra Grip 7+ was designated as “highly recommended,” as was the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Both tyres were cited in particular for their “balance” and their “low rate of wear.”

AutoBild calls Goodyear, Dunlop tires ‘exemplary’

AutoBild magazine tested both winter and all-season tyres. In the winter tyre test, it selected the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D as the top performer, calling its performance “exemplary.” In the same test, Goodyear’s Ultra Grip Performance 2 also earned the magazine’s “exemplary” rating. In all-season tyre tests, the Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons beat seven other tyres to the top-performance spot.

Auto Motor und Sport and Stiftung Warentest

Tyre testers at Auto Motor und Sport magazine evaluated 10 tires, awarding the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D its top rating of “highly recommended.” The magazine cited “very good handling, good traction and quick braking in snow.” Meanwhile Stiftung Warentest published the results of joint tests of 40 winter tyres conducted by the ADAC and other highly respected European automobile clubs. The Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ was named the winner. The Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons was selected as the best all-season tyre.

Motorforaren and Test World

In Motorforaren’s October issue, Goodyear scored the highest ranking with the Ice Navi Zea. Apart from being the overall test winner the Ice Navi was the fastest non-studded tire on an ice handling track and only 0.4 seconds behind a studded tire. Additionally, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme provided the shortest braking distance on ice. The Test World organisation is well respected for its tests in the Nordic/Baltic region, which often suffers harsh winter conditions, therefore consumers in this region find braking on ice a major concern in winter.