‘Green’ Vredestein Quatrac Lite launched

A new addition to Vredestein’s Quatrac all-season family, first established in 2007 with the Quatrac 3, is scheduled for release at the Geneva International Motor Show. This new product, the Quatrac Lite, is described by Apollo Vredestein as being “revolutionary” and the “first ‘green’ all-season tyre.” In announcing its imminent launch the tyre maker says the Quatrac Lite “meets all the environmental regulations due to be implemented across the European Union in 2012, and is focused on fuel efficiency.” Apollo Vredestein further comments that the new range “meets the premium quality and safety standards for which Vredestein is renowned.”

The Quatrac Lite is, comments Apollo Vredestein, that rarest of things – a perfect compromise: “The Vredestein Quatrac Lite is the optimal alternative for car owners who want to use the same tyre for the summer and the winter season, and also value environmentally friendly alternatives.” The tyre maker states the Quatrac Lite contains all the features of a winter tyre, including the Three Peak Snowflake symbol, and is “an excellent tyre for countries that do not experience extreme winter driving conditions.” The tyre is also the “ideal” all season tyre in flat or hilly regions with a moderate climate, Apollo Vredestein notes.

Compared to the Quatrac 3, the Vredestein Quatrac Lite was developed with a greater focus on future environmental regulations, and Apollo Vredestein says the knowledge incorporated into the Quatrac Lite was gained in previous projects such as the SuperBus, Mindset and Quatrac E. In addition, its size range is positioned more towards the ‘green’ market segment such as current and future hybrid and electric cars. During the range’s pre-launch at the Geneva Auto Salon from 1 to 13 March 2011 the Quatrac Lite will be displayed fitted to the latest electric concept car by Italian designer Giugiaro, the Proton Emas3.

Reducing rolling resistance was a design priority for Quatrac Lite and this quality was addressed with the use of a Full Polymer Compound (FPC). “This FPC technology guarantees excellent road traction in all conditions and a long lifespan,” says Apollo Vredestein. Other features the manufacturer notes include the tyre’s many sipes or so-called flexing points, which function as hinges and give the l flexibility required for low rolling resistance and excellent traction on snow, plus the tread’s three circumferential grooves and lateral grooves located in the shoulder; these are said to ensure good water dispersion and good aquaplaning reserves.