Bridgestone unveils Ecopia EP150

Bridgestone has released the latest product in its Ecopia range of environmentally friendlier tyres. The Ecopia EP150 was released at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, and the manufacturer notes the new tyre meets the “challenging and previously contradictory objective” of combining safety in wet conditions with reduced rolling resistance.

This objective, Bridgestone continues, was met through the development of materials technology it calls “NanoPro-Tech” and a new tread design. NanoPro-Tech, the company explains, produces a lower rolling resistance coefficient by reducing energy loss in the top compound during rotation. The tread design features a connected block and thin rib, which is said to enhance contact pressure and wet braking performance.

According to the Japanese manufacturer, the Ecopia EP150 has a 15 per cent improved rolling resistance (versus current Bridgestone products featuring the same dimensions), which makes it, on average, 3 per cent more fuel efficient and achieves a 3 per cent reduction in CO2 output. The EP150 will be introduced as an integrated replacement and original equipment product during 2010, targeting compact and mid-sized passenger cars with 14 to 16-inch rim sizes in 55 to 70 series.

The Ecopia name has been used in Japan since 1991, and the first Ecopia products arrived in Europe in 1999, when the Ecopia B381 was fitted to the VW 3L Lupo, followed by the Audi A2. Bridgestone introduced the premium Turanza ER300 Ecopia range in Europe in April 2009. The tyre has also been fitted to a number of vehicles as original equipment.