‘A’ for rolling resistance: Vaculug launches KT01

Grantham-based retreader Vaculug has achieved a world-first with the launch of its KT01. Testing at the Applus+ IDIADA testing ground in Spain has verified that this latest addition to the Vaculug portfolio has a lower rolling resistance coefficient than is required for a new tyre to gain an EU label rating of A for this criterion.

The KT01, part of Vaculug’s fuel saver Kinetik range, was put to the test on what many consider to be the best proving ground in Europe. A major manufacturer of new tyres rated the KT01 on its fuel efficiency prior to its test result being confirmed by Applus+ IDIADA.

“We are excited to say that the World’s first and only ‘A’ rated retreaded tyre has been developed by a British company in the UK,” comments Vaculug. “This tyre was fully developed by our internal R& D team in Grantham. We set a goal of developing a retread that was as good as the best fuel-efficient new tyres on the market and we’re proud to say that we have beaten this milestone.”

Vaculug says it succeeded in “pushing the limits of rolling resistance to save on fuel, without compromising the tyres’ longevity” by integrating a special blend of silica in the tread. It estimates that choosing the A-rated KT01 tyre over a standard tyre can significantly reduce a fleet’s carbon emissions by 1,200 tonnes and lower fuel costs by £475,000 per annum.