2nd generation Firestone Multiseason all-season car tyre launched

Firestone has launched the second generation of its new all-season touring tyre, the Multiseason. Accommodating a wide variety of cars and drivers, the tyre joins other recent models, such as Roadhawk and Vanhawk 2, supplied by the Bridgestone brand to offer reliable tyres at a value price point.

Firestone has sought to improve on the original Firestone Multiseason with an optimised pattern and contact area to allow faster water expulsion in the wet and a balanced level of tyre stiffness in the dry. This was achieved through extensive simulation modelling validated in the field. Firestone states braking, in both wet and dry conditions, showed marked improvements in January-February 2019. In tests by TÜV SÜD, the new generation of Multiseason demonstrated 9 per cent better braking in dry conditions and 14 per cent in wet conditions (size 205/55 R16 94V tyres fitted to a VW Golf VII). The tyre is labelled B for wet grip. The Multiseason carries the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) marking, making it compliant with all winter legislations in Europe.

Firestone market research, involving more than 15,000 European drivers, conducted prior to the development of the new generation Multiseason helped the brand meet specific challenges drivers face on a daily basis, such as sudden braking in the wet.

“We wanted to offer peace of mind to all drivers with the new generation of Multiseason,” explains Laurent Dartoux, chief strategy & marketing officer at Bridgestone EMEA. “The roads might be dry when they leave home, wet by the time they arrive at work, and snowy when they drive home. But with the second generation of Multiseason, drivers will stay safe and feel in control all year-round regardless the weather conditions may be.”

Improved rolling resistance

The new generation Firestone Multiseason also has grade C in rolling resistance in most sizes (others are ranked E) and demonstrates a 20 per cent improvement in mileage, based on Bridgestone’s internal testing.

“Drivers associate Firestone with tyres they can depend on and offering additional benefits,” adds Dartoux. “This doesn’t just stop after they have made their purchase; drivers will benefit from reduced fuel costs and an extended tyre life span with the new Multiseason. And since they won’t need to store or switch tyres, they will make further savings on costs and most certainly benefit from the extra convenience gained.”

Developed and manufactured in Europe, the new Firestone Multiseason will be released in selected sizes in June 2019, with additional sizes being made available in January 2020. With 50 different sizes ranging between 13 and 18 inches, the new generation of Multiseason will cover 90 per cent of the market, as well as 70 per cent in high rim sizes of 17” and above to accommodate most passenger cars and on road SUVs.