The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. recently announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified its commercial tires featuring Fuel Max Technology for use on SmartWay-eligible trucks.
The fuel-efficient line-haul tires deliver up to 4 percent improved truck fuel economy, and when used with other SmartWay-qualified components, each truck can produce savings of up to 4,000 gallons per year, or more than $11,000 annually, according to Goodyear and EPA officials.
Goodyear says the new Fuel Max line includes new steer, drive and trailer tires and retreads, for a complete “cradle-to-grave” tire system for trucking fleets and owner-operators. The tires are available for use on new trucks and as replacement tires.
“Obviously we’re pleased that these Goodyear tires are recognized for their fuel-efficiency by the EPA,” says Steve McClellan, vice president of commercial tire systems for Akron, Ohio-based Goodyear. “We’ve enhanced fuel economy in our platform of line-haul tires, so this is a win-win for our customers and the environment.”
While company officials are citing up to a 4 percent hike in fuel economy with the new tires, they add that actual Society of Automotive Engineers lab test results showed an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with standard Goodyear over-the-road tires. Goodyear says the difference reflects adjustments for real-world variations, including vehicle speed, idling time, varying road grades and different driving styles.
Goodyear tires featuring Fuel Max Technology include the Unisteel G395 LHS steer tire, Unisteel G305 LHD drive tire and Unisteel G316 LHT trail tire in standard (11R22.5) and low-profile (295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5) sizes. Goodyear also is offering UniCircle and precure retreading with Fuel Max Technology.
The SmartWay Transport Partnership, a collaboration between freight shippers, carriers, and logistics companies, voluntarily improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions from freight transport. By 2012, SmartWay aims to save between 3.3 and 6.6 billion gallons of diesel and eliminate between 33 and 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and up to 200,000 tons of nitrous oxide emissions per year.
EPA has announced that 2007 models of heavy trucks can earn certification from the SmartWay program. Fuel-efficient tractor-trailer rigs now will carry their own label: the SmartWay logo. SmartWay-approved equipment, like aerodynamic front bumpers and side mirrors, can cut wind resistance and reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent.
For more information on Fuel Max Technology, go to www.goodyear.com/truck.
