Toyo placing an emphasis on rolling resistance with Nanoenergy

A new range of Toyo eco tyres is scheduled for release in Japan next February ahead of its launch in other regions, including Europe. Known as the Nanoenergy, the new tyre has been developed with a focus on reducing rolling resistance; Toyo says the tyre boasts a ‘AAA’ rolling resistance rating according to the labelling system introduced by the Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA). This, the label’s highest rating, is given to tyres with a rolling resistance coefficient lower or equal to 6.5.

The other criterion measured for the JATMA label is wet grip, and here the Nanoenergy range is split into two camps – the Nanoenergy 1 and the Nanoenergy 2. Toyo says the Nanoenergy 1 delivers offers a ‘b’ wet grip rating, the second highest possible, and offers “improved wet grip with superior fuel efficiency performance.” The Nanoenergy 2, further down the wet grip scale with a ‘c’ rating, is referred to as being “developed for a broad range of hybrid vehicles” and combining “environmental considerations with excellent handling performance.”

Toyo admits several AA-c rating products are already available in Japan, including tyres from its own portfolio, however it states clearly that the Nanoenergy is “not simply an upgraded version of the AAA-c product.” Instead, Toyo says, the range “represents a new approach based on different principles of tyre design.” At the heart of this is Toyo’s ‘Nano Balance Technology’. This is described by the tyre maker as a “systematic collaboration of four nano-level element technologies – research, analysis, design and production.” Nano Balance Technology was established about a year ago to provide a comprehensive foundation for technical development at Toyo Tires.

The first Nanoenergy product to reach the market will be the range’s only Nanoenergy 1 fitment, a size 195/65R15 91H tyre. This will be introduced into the Japanese market in February 2012. The remaining ten sizes, all Nanoenergy 2 variants, will be introduced next June. Following its domestic market launch, the range will be progressively introduced overseas.