Page 30 - CTB n4 - 2013/4

PRODUCT NEWS
KMAX
FUELMAX
Goodyear Launches KMAX and FUELMAX
Goodyear has announced the launch of two new truck tyre lines – KMAX and FUELMAX, aimed at helping fleets lower their operating costs through extended mileage and enhanced low rolling resistance. The
(76%) and wet grip (75%) were classified second and third.
“We believe that KMAX and FUELMAX will make selecting new tyres much easier for fleet managers,” said Boris Stevanovic,
Goodyear’s RHS II and RHD II+ tyres, the KMAX can give up to 35% more mileage allowing fleets to drive even further, with all year round performance thanks to the improved traction and full winter tyre conformity of the drive tyres.
Tests show that in comparison to the RHS II steer tyre, the KMAX S is claimed to achieve a mileage improvement of up to 30% and compared to the RHD II+ drive tyre, the KMAX D provides a mileage improvement of up to 35%. FUELMAX
FUELMAX is Goodyear’s new fuel efficient line, offering the best rolling resistance of any Goodyear tyre for on-road applications combined with a balanced overall performance. The line comprises FUELMAX S steer tyres, FUELMAX D drive tyres and FUELMAX T trailer tyres. With up to a 10% improvement in rolling resistance they are designed to save money on fuel and reduce CO2 emissions; moreover, they also give up to 15% more mileage while at the same time provide greater versatility with enhanced traction. In comparison with the previous Goodyear LHS II and LHD II tyres, FUELMAX S and FUELMAX D show a mileage improvement of 15% and 10% respectively. Comparing FUELMAX S and FUELMAX D with LHS II+ and LHD II+ in terms of rolling resistance, the new tyres deliver an improvement of 6% and 10% respectively. The label grades for FUELMAX tyres confirm their outstanding performance in this area. This is illustrated by A-grades for fuel efficiency on some FUELMAX trailer tyres and predominately B-grades on the others.
Change in Trends & Winter Requirements
European road transport trends have changed in recent years. Previously fleets tended to specialise in either
long haul or regional operations, with vehicles dedicated to one or the other. This meant that tyres optimised for either type of operation were the obvious choice. Transport has become more flexible, often requiring vehicles to undertake a range of duties covering anything from urban distribution to long distance haulage. KMAX and FUELMAX are suitable for both applications.
Another change relates to winter road conditions and associated regulations. Unpredictable winter conditions, virtually across the whole of Europe, as well as increasingly stringent regulations in connection with winter tyres, have led to a strong demand for regular tyres capable of assuring mobility in winter conditions. The new KMAX and FUELMAX tyres have been further developed with this in mind so that they have a true all season capability, with the drive tyres fulfilling full winter tyre requirements and carrying the three-peak-mountain with Snowflake symbol (3PMSF) and M+S marking. The Goodyear survey shows that 64% of fleets would like standard tyres with good winter performance - KMAX and FUELMAX tyres provide just that.
Extended Tyre Life
As with all Goodyear commercial vehicle tyres, KMAX and FUELMAX tyres are both regrooveable and retreadable. TreadMax versions of theKMAXDandTaswellasthe FUELMAX D and T are being launched simultaneously with the new tyres they replicate. These are built on Goodyear’s latest technology carcasses and use the same tread patterns and materials as the new tyres so that their performance is very similar.
launch reflects the findings of a recent survey of European fleets, commissioned by Goodyear, which showed that today’s vehicle operators prefer to base their tyre choice on performance rather than
Marketing Director Truck Tyres EMEA, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres Europe. “This is because the savings they offer are clear and that will help the success of their businesses. The benefits will not only be thanks to
application. KMAX and FUELMAX have been designed to help them make an easier, business-oriented choice.
The Goodyear KMAX range, as the name implies, has been developed for improved mileage performance, while not compromising on other important criteria such as fuel efficiency and traction. Likewise the Goodyear FUELMAX range is for the operator seeking to optimise fuel efficiency combined with good mileage.
The survey also showed that the most important performance area for operators is rolling resistance, which directly influences fuel efficiency. Of the fleets interviewed, 77% classified this as “very important” or “extremely important”. Mileage
their greater mileage and fuel economy, but also because of their versatility and winter performance capabilities.”
The new tyres replace the successful Goodyear Long Haul and Regional Haul ranges, which included the Regional RHS II, RHD II+ and RHT II tyres as well as the frugal Marathon LHS II+, LHD II+ and LHT II tyres and can be used for both long haul and regional haul applications.
KMAX
KMAX is a dedicated mileage line for on-road applications offering higher mileage and better all-year round performance than previous Goodyear tyres. The line comprises KMAX S steer tyres, KMAX D drive tyres and KMAX T trailer tyres. Compared to
30 Commercial Tyre Business