Next Generation Goodyear RunOnFlat Launched as Merc E-Class OE

Goodyear has launched the new generation of its RunOnFlat tyre with an original equipment fitting on the new Mercedes E-Class, which left factories recently. Goodyear states that the latest generation tyre offers numerous benefits to car makers, consumers and the environment, including improved comfort, reduced mass and rolling resistance, improved fuel consumption and consequently reduced CO2 emission levels. The tyre-maker suggests that the tyre is comparable to regular tyres in terms of comfort. Car manufacturers do not need to modify the suspension or chassis of their cars to use them, Goodyear claims.

Mercedes-Benz recently awarded the ultra high performance summer Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric RunOnFlat tyre with its ‘Mercedes Original Extended’ (MOExtended) seal of quality, with the term Extended signifying the tyre’s safety capabilities.

Goodyear says that in 2008 it sold more than 2.5 million tyres with RunOnFlat Technology. Paul Joosten, director – marketing, consumer tyres Europe, Middle East and Africa said, “The demand from both vehicle manufacturers and consumers is growing. The technology has evolved significantly since its first introduction. With the latest generation RunOnFlat tyres we have reached a breakthrough in tyre technology: consumers won’t notice any difference anymore to standard tyres. Only when a tyre loses air or suddenly hits a sharp item on the road, you will feel the difference and be very much relieved that your car is equipped with RunOnFlat tyres,” he surmised.

Jean-Pierre Jeusette, Goodyear director – tyre technology consumer tyres for Europe, Middle East and Africa continued, “Mercedes-Benz would not have accepted any compromise on the car’s comfort level. We focused our development on RunOnFlat tyres that are ‘soft’ and comfortable during normal driving and stiff and rigid in case of an emergency – without losing sight of the other important performance parameters.” Goodyear believes the fit with the E-Class is a good one, since the range is known for its comfort.

In terms of rolling resistance, Jeusette continued, “Our new MOExtended RunOnFlat tyres for the Mercedes E-Class have as little influence on the car’s fuel consumption as our respective standard tyres – thanks to advanced compound technologies. This is another significant benefit for consumers and the environment.”

With the EC type approval regulation 316 passing, making a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) mandatory on every new car as of 2012, the European Commission gives a clear signal that Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are important and necessary for consumers. The new tyre is also designed to adhere to stricter CO2 emission guidelines and limits set by European authorities.
Goodyear says that it equips about 35 per cent of the cars that are originally fitted with run-flat technology and the interest from consumers is growing steadily.
Today, more than 70 per cent of all car models of the BMW group are equipped with the special tyre technology, including the 1 Series (3-door), 1 Series (5-door), 1 Series Coupé, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Touring, 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible, 5 Series Sedan, 5 Series Touring, 6 Series Coupé, 6 Series Convertible, 7 Series Sedan, X3, X5, X6, Z4 Coupé, and Z4 Roadster, as well as various Mini models and famous Rolls-Royce cars.

“All top-of-the-range models of the BMW group such as the 7-series, X5, X6 and all Rolls-Royce models are delivered to their new owners on tyres with run-flat technology. These cars are driven by consumers that in particular value the high comfort levels of their prestigious cars,” said Jeusette.

In 2008, RunOnFlat tyres were supplied to Audi for its A3, A5, A6 and TT models. Mercedes-Benz has equipped its A-, C-, CLS, CLK-, SLK, GL, E- and S-Class with RunOnFlat tyres. Owners of a Ferrari 360 Modena, F430, a Maserati Quattroporte or Jaguar XK could drive tyres with Goodyear’s RunOnFlat Technology, as could owners of a Ford Galaxy, Mondeo or an Opel Astra and Corsa. Jeusette concluded, “The range of models that are available with RunOnFlat tyres is wide with over 100 new projects in the pipeline for the next two years.”