A prototype summer tyre developed by Nokian Tyres is said to have demonstrated 64 per cent superior rolling resistance against a premium ‘eco’ tyre in testing conducted by the Finnish tyre maker. In a test held on March 9, a Toyota Prius was fitted with the prototype tyres and also with Michelin Energy Saver tyres (both the same dimensions and pressure) and rolled down a ramp in neutral gear in windless conditions. As Nokian explains, the distance the car rolled corresponds directly with the tyres’ rolling resistance – the further the car rolls, the lower the rolling resistance. Nokian reports that the car managed to roll 129 metres when fitted with its prototype tyre, while it stopped after 78.9 metres when fitted with Energy Saver tyres.