To ensure operational efficiency, Axworthy clarifies that Goodyear works with various casing suppliers, which allows for continuous supply should one source fail. He explains, “We secure the supply of casings via various channels: from fleets via our service network, TruckForce; from fleets via our web-based commercial vehicle tyre casing management system, eCasing, and from dealers via our sales force. We also work in some regions and countries with qualified partners to make sure we collect casings that meet our high-quality standards.”
Via high pressure tests, non-destructive tools, such as shearography testing and more traditional tried-and-tested methods, such as nail hole detection, Goodyear can guarantee a steady supply of high-quality, durable and solid casings. With thorough testing, Axworthy notes that this ensures the tyres delivered to the customers are “as durable, buoyant and as long-lasting as possible.”
Why Fleets are Thinking More and More about Sustainability
Axworthy has noted an increasing market share for retreads within the EMEA region and a changing attitude amongst consumers, although he notes that away retread sales within the truck market across the EMEA region have always been fairly robust. The core change, Axworthy believes is that the circular economy model is now actively promoted across Europe, which is now much more of a prerequisite than before. As the European Union has begun adding legislation to reduce carbon emissions, fleet managers are now also paying more active attention to how their fleets can fulfil these necessary changes with tyre retreading at the forefront of those solutions.
Axworthy and Goodyear are in favour of these steps as part of their vision for a more sustainable future. While many new tyre manufacturers have entered the market in recent years, Goodyear remains focused, committed and convinced in their multiple-use tyre policy, he says. As the purpose of the concept is to ensure an environmental dividend for both the company and the customer, while ensuring attractive rates for fleets in a competitive industry, Goodyear sees retreading as a win-win for its sustainability beliefs going forward.
