Bridgestone Europe to Launch Ecopia Range in 2009

Starting in April, an extensive range of Bridgestone’s Turanza ER300 Ecopia tyres will be gradually introduced into the European market. The tyres, which use the ‘Ecopia’ name to denote their fuel saving characteristics, were first used on electric-powered cars in 1991, and in 1998 the B381 Ecopia low rolling resistance tyre was fitted as OE to the ‘3-litre’ version of the Volkswagen Lupo – a car dubbed “the most environmentally friendly car in the world” by some due to its consumption of only three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Today, certain versions of the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia and Mercedes S-Class are being sold with Ecopia versions of existing patterns, and the Toyota IQ is fitted with an all-new Ecopia tyre.

The main technology used in the Ecopia to reduce rolling resistance, fuel consumption and thus CO2 output is its specially developed compound. The compound is based on nano properties control technology, which acts on the molecules in a way that allows for improved rolling resistance and better wet grip.

“We recognise the role that tyres can play in reducing fuel consumption,” said Gerry Duffy, vice president, Sales & Marketing. “The introduction of the Ecopia range represents a significant progress in terms of meeting today’s customer requirement for safe tyres that also provide fuel economy.”

The Turanza ER300 Ecopia range will be introduced to the market at the Geneva Auto Salon in March.