Dynamic simulator for Goodyear’s European test centre

With the addition of a new DiM250 Dynamic Driving Simulator, the Goodyear Innovation Center in Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg will gain greater tyre testing capabilities. The equipment supplied by VI-grade, a provider of real-time simulation software and driver-in-the-loop simulators, will also enhance technical collaboration between Goodyear Tire & Rubber’s European operation and its headquarters in Akron, USA, where another DiM250 recently entered operation.

Driving simulators allow the development, testing and validation of tyre models early in the development cycle, identifying the best performing tyres before moving on to build an initial prototype. Goodyear comments that by employing simulators, it can match the pace of the automotive development process and provide tyre models at the right time when requested by vehicle manufacturers.

“This level of simulation capability is a clear technology leadership advantage,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Goodyear. “We are always looking to improve the development process and maintain our status as the preferred supplier for our customers.”

In addition to the DiM250, the Goodyear innovation centres in Europe and North America employ VI-grade Compact Simulators to complement virtual tyre development processes.

“We are delighted to report on the adoption of a second DiM250 Dynamic Driving Simulator at Goodyear,” said Guido Bairati, vice-president of global sales and marketing at VI-grade. “With DiM250 and Compact simulators on both sides of the ocean, Goodyear is now at the forefront of virtual tyre development and gains a significant competitive advantage when it comes to collaboration with automotive OEMs and accelerated product development.”