Dunlop EconoDrive targets van operating costs

Dunlop has released its latest van tyre, the EconoDrive. The company says it designed the new tyre specifically to lower the cost of ownership for van owners and drivers, and claims to have employed 12 engineering upgrades and new technologies to achieve this goal.

“At Dunlop we have always understood that companies which operate vans are in the market to make a profit with their goods and services,” commented Andrew Marfleet, Dunlop Brand Manager UK and Ireland. “Delivering a next generation tyre which is specifically designed to provide a combined promise of high quality, long distances, a comfortable ride and all at reduced fuel cost means we are helping them to achieve their specific business targets head-on.”

Amongst the stated new and upgraded features, the EconoDrive comes with a new, stiffer silica/carbon black blend that Dunlop says is specifically intended to reduce rolling resistance and increase mileage. Further efforts to lower rolling resistance on include the introduction of an optimised ply line and sidewall gauge, combined with high ply turn-up, which allows for less heat generation. Furthermore, optimised topping at each belt ending further is said to ensure less heat generation, again delivering a better roll.

“We have gone through great lengths to develop a tyre which delivers on cost of ownership,” Marfleet continued. “A significant amount of effort has gone into the development a state-of-the-art tyre for vans and vans which delivers, delivers and delivers on fuel efficiencies. To achieve this we did not only concentrate on improving in one area, we literally pushed the boundaries to do so across the board.”

Apart focusing on fuel efficiencies, Dunlop says its engineers spent a significant amount of time developing a tyre that delivers a comfortable drive. Specific features include the insertion of an optimised construction under the tread specially designed to provide uniform pressure distribution, and a stiff belt material for better force transmission in lateral and longitudinal directions. A flat belt construction allows for squarer footprint and thus more contact on shoulder providing enhanced handling. A thicker sidewall gauge helps to protect against curb damage.

On wet road surfaces, a centreline circumferential groove is designed to enable the tyre to effectively absorb water, while lateral grooves allow for an efficient water evacuation towards the outside. “We have put a lot of effort into the development of this tyre and it shows”, Marfleet concluded. “When developing this tyre we wanted to meet as many of the needs indicated to us by van drivers, and today we deliver a tyre that meets those needs.”