Landing in Switzerland for the 80th Geneva Motor Show, Goodyear and Dunlop are showcasing four concept and prototype tires for future use on Earth and in outer space along with five releases destined for the European market.
“The innovations on display in Geneva demonstrate our capability to deliver relevant technology to our customers,” says Arthur de Bok, president of the company’s European division. “New products and innovation are key platforms for driving top line growth in 2010 and beyond.”
Two of the company’s technologies come together in an extremely low rolling resistance version of the EfficientGrip tire specially developed to fulfill the distinctive requirements of future electric vehicles, according to de Bok. The prototype combines top-rated energy efficiency and excellent noise and wet braking performance levels with the latest in RunOnFlat technology, he adds.
A Dunlop concept tire with a design by Pininfarina is being shown on a two-seat concept car from the Italian design firm. An aerodynamic shape reduces fuel consumption by cutting air drag by about 4 percent.
Already honored as the “Environmental Achievement of the Year” by the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, a concept tire made with Biolsoprene technology makes its auto show debut in Geneva. The tire, which is the result of a collaboration between Goodyear and Genecor, features a breakthrough bio-based alternative to a petroleum-based material used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, says de Bok.
Attendees will also see the airless “spring tire” developed by Goodyear and NASA for use in outer space. It features 800 load bearing springs and is designed to carry heavy vehicles over long distances.
Taking center stage among the company’s new products is the introduction of the latest generation of RunOn Flat tire technology, which offers numerous benefits to automakers, consumers and the environment, de Bok notes. It has reduced mass and rolling resistance, which lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The new RunOnFlat tire offers comfort levels comparable to standard tires, according to de Bok while delivering a 4 percent shorter breaking distance on wet roads and 13 percent lower rolling resistance levels when compared to standard tires.
The company sold more than two million RunOnFlat tires in 2009.
Among other new tires being launched at the event are the Goodyear EfficientGrip ultra low rolling resistance tire, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice+ winter tire with ActiveGrip Technology, Dunlop SP StreetResponse tire with Touch Technology and Dunlop SP QuattroMaxx ultra-high performance SUV tire.
For more information, visit www.goodyear.com.
