Volume 7 Issue TRUCK TIRE NEWS NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES EUROPE

Transcription

1 Volume 7 Issue TRUCK TIRE NEWS NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES EUROPE

2 Contents 3 Tires Matter at the IAA 4 The New Dunlop SP 244 Trailer Tire 5 Dunlop MultiTread 6 Goodyear s New Mixed Service Tires Get Duraseal 7 Prototype 10-tonne Axle Tire Gives More Payload 8 9 Goodyear Dunlop Keeps the Wheels Turning at IAA 10 Goodyear Champions Urban Eco Transport 11 DAF Projects 11 Goodyear and Volvo Go for World Record News and information from Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe Published by Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe B.V., Park Lane, Culliganlaan 2A, B-1831, Diegem, Belgium Editor Boris Stevanovic, Marketing Director Truck Tires Europe Phone: +32 (0) Fax: +32 (0) TruckTireNews@goodyear.com Website: 2

3 Tires Matter at the IAA Tires Matter was the theme of Henry Johnson, Vice President Commercial Tires Goodyear Dunlop Europe, when he spoke to the international transport press at the IAA in Hanover. The IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition is recognized as Europe s premier truck and bus show. This year nearly 1,800 companies from 43 countries exhibited and a record 272 world premieres took place there including a number from Goodyear and Dunlop. At the Goodyear Dunlop press conference a packed stand listened to Henry highlight the importance of tires. He said that tires matter for three reasons; Economy, Ecology and Safety. He explained that these three areas were also the pillars on which Goodyear Dunlop based its product philosophy. He then introduced the new products; the Goodyear Marathon LHT II fuel-saving long haul trailer tire; the Dunlop SP 244 low cost per kilometer trailer tire for a wide range of applications; Dunlop s MultiTread range of retreads with as-new performance; Duraseal versions of the recently introduced MSS II and MSD II mixed service truck tires and a prototype Goodyear trailer tire that provides 10- tonnes capacity to trailer axles. Henry concluded by talking about the up-coming tire label legislation and its significance to the customer. Henk van Tuyl, Director of Tire Technology for Commercial Tires Goodyear Dunlop Europe, then described the features and benefits of the new products. Henk highlighted the important projects Goodyear was involved in, particularly with regard to reducing the environmental effects of transport. These include a Renault hybrid truck project for Coca Cola in Brussels, a hybrid truck for the Belgian Colruyt supermarket chain for urban deliveries to comply with a regional ecoproject and Van Hool hybrid buses, also for Belgium. A further project, he explained, was with Volvo to develop special tires for a hybrid truck to create a new world land speed record for such vehicles. Lastly, Henk talked about new materials and technology, and their benefits. The conference concluded with a presentation by Rupert Kohaupt Director Commercial Tires Goodyear Dunlop Tires Germany. He focused on the importance of service to the customer. He then presented awards to the three top TruckForce service providers in Germany for their outstanding service to customers. The winners were Gerhard Dreikluft from F & H Dreikluft in Eppingen, Dr Michael Neidhart from H Schulte-Kellinghaus in Oberhausen and Gerald Fritsche from SÉdring Autoservice Lange. Top Henry Johnson. Bottom left Henk van Tuyl. Bottom right Rupert Kohaupt, TruckForce award winners - Gerhard Dreikluft and Dr Michael Neidhart - and Henry Johnson. 3

4 The New Dunlop SP 244 Trailer Tire The Dunlop SP 244 trailer tire was unveiled at the IAA. This is a new-generation tire that offers operators low cost per kilometer for a wide variety of transport applications. The tire features a combination of latest technology materials, dedicated tread pattern and a robust carcass for high mileage and low costs. Designed to complement Dunlop s top-selling SP 344 steer tire and SP 444 drive tire, the combination of these products with the new SP 244 will ensure operators cost effective and reliable service plus high mileage. The design brief was for a trailer tire to cover the increasing need for fleets to be able to operate in varying applications; such as short haul distribution, intercity, long haul and partial regional as well as for the rental market. Pressure to minimize cost per km with high fuel costs meant that lower rolling resistance and high mileage were top priorities. The SP 244 offers 20% more mileage than its predecessor the SP 242. This is due to the tire s ultra wide robust design with 15% more rubber volume and optimized friction. It also has increased robustness thanks to the stiff tread design, which features five solid ribs and smooth rounded grooves. Further improved robustness comes from the optimized sidewall shape, new bead area and the introduction of Ultra Tensile steel wires in the belts. The new construction gives improved durability and damage resistance for longer life and better retreadability. It is also lighter and easier to mount. The SP 244 will replace the SP 242 and SP 252 trailer tire ranges. The tread shape of the SP 244 provides further benefits; the multi radius tread shape ensures lower tread wear combined with improved durability. The strong shoulder ribs resist shoulder wear and give robustness during cornering maneuvers. Higher mileage and lower rolling resistance are both benefits from the distribution performance of the five rib tread pattern. Improved wet braking and minimized stone retention come from the multi angle grooves with their multi zig-zag shape. Better pressure distribution means uniform and reduced wear, due to the multi radius cavity shape. The transverse groove layout improves wet skid performance and reduces noise. Compared with its predecessor, the SP 244 is 20% better in mileage, 5% better in rolling resistance and gives 2% more wet grip. This means lower cost per kilometer and greater safety. These results are taken from fleet tests that took place during 2009 and 2010 using 4x2 tractor units and tri-axle trailers fitted with 385/65R22.5 tires. The SP 244 is available in two sizes; 385/65R K (158L) and 385/55R K (158L). Other sizes will be available in early The tires are fully regrooveable and retreadable. Dunlop SP 244 4

5 Dunlop MultiTread Dunlop also launched MultiTread at the IAA. This brand new range of premium quality hot cure retreads duplicate the performance of new generation Dunlop tires and reduce operating costs. Retreading is increasingly important in economic tire management and operators want products with the best possible performance. MultiTread is a new generation of retreads mainly for drive axles, with a range of treads specially designed for each type of service, which offer top performance and cost per km. The benefits are identical to those of new Dunlop tires; high mileage, good traction and wet braking as well as precise handing and comfort; above all low cost per km. The MultiTread process extends the life and mileage of Dunlop casings thus reducing both operating costs and the environmental impact. The MultiTread range initially comprises remanufactured latest generation Dunlop casings built to the same exacting specifications as new SP 444 truck drive axle tires and new SP 372 bus and municipal vehicle tires. The MultiTread range will be complemented later with trailer and mixed-service designs. Tire costs represent about 4% of vehicle operating costs and they also have a strong influence on fuel consumption, which makes up a further 25% of total costs. Today s fleet operator is committed to decreasing cost per kilometer and improving fuel consumption and wants peace of mind with efficient service support. The modern approach for operators is to select a tire partner that offers not only the most efficient new products and services but also a complete and innovative retreading program, said Hubert Moquet Director Retread Operations Goodyear Dunlop EMEA. This is a major contributory factor in cost control. By introducing MultiTread, Dunlop is now able to meet the needs of operators who demand such a comprehensive range of products and services. MultiTread uses only the latest generation Dunlop SP 344 and SP 444 casings in the production of MT SP 444 retreads. The casings are quality controlled to ensure they are suitable for retreading. Once checked and machined, the tread and sidewalls are applied, using the same tread material as the new tire. The tire is then molded with the same tread pattern and reproducing the same footprint as the new tire. Finally it is cured and undergoes stringent quality checks. Seven sizes will be available by the end of /80R22.5, 315/70R22.5, 295/80R22.5, 245/70R19.5, 265/70R19.5 and 285/70R19.5, designated MT SP 444 and a 275/70R22.5 designated MT SP 372. Other sizes will follow during MultiTread products will be manufactured in Goodyear Dunlop plants in Riom France and Wolverhampton England and are regrooveable. Dunlop MultiTread SP 444 5

6 Goodyear s New Mixed Service Tires Get Duraseal Less downtime and greater service life are the two major benefits offered by new Duraseal versions of Goodyear s recently introduced mixed service truck tires. The new Duraseal tires made their debut at the IAA. Goodyear Omnitrac MSS II and MSD II tires are specifically designed for vehicles such as tippers, concrete mixers and in waste management. Duraseal technology in these tires means downtime from punctures is either considerably reduced or eliminated. Goodyear s innovative Duraseal technology is unique to Omnitrac MSS II mixed service steer tires and MSD II mixed service drive tires. This Goodyear-patented feature stops air loss if an object of up to 6mm diameter penetrates the tread, thanks to a built-in sealant layer in the tread package. Even if the object is removed the sealant still prevents air loss. This means that trucks with tread punctures typically don t need to be taken out of service to be repaired, which would result in costly downtime. It can also extend tire life as a main cause of tire failure is under inflation. Enhanced mileage and traction with greater damage protection are the main benefits of the MSS II and MSD II tires. Both feature Omnitrac Max Technology, which is the latest member of the Goodyear Max Technology family. The sizes currently available are 315/80R22.5 and 13R22.5 and Duraseal versions of these are now available. Goodyear is also producing MSD II super single drive tires in sizes 385/55R22.5 and 495/45R22.5. These innovative tires have been developed in conjunction with Mercedes and Renault Trucks and offer considerable weight savings. With regard to mileage and noise, this tire s performance exceeds that of its predecessor, the Omnitrac MSS, and a main competitor and is unbeaten in terms of rolling resistance. The Omnitrac MSS II fulfills future (2012) Noise and RR EU regulation 661 requirements. Mileage is the main benefit of the MSD II s design, which offers 17% greater mileage potential than its predecessor. In terms of fuel economy, the rolling resistance of this tire has also improved which means lower fuel bills. This tire is 20% quieter than the MSD. The Omnitrac MSD II also fulfills future (2012) Noise and Rolling Resistance EU regulation 661 requirements. The combined performance of the new tires shows significant improvements over its predecessors. Off-road traction is the area that shows the greatest difference; the MSS II/MSD II combination gives 6% better performance than the current MSS/MSD. Braking is about 3% better on a wet road than the previous tires. The wet circle test shows 2% more grip than the MSS/MSD combination. The Duraseal sealant layer is part of the tread package 6

7 Prototype 10-tonne Axle Tire Gives More Payload Goodyear revealed an innovative prototype 10-tonne axle trailer tire at the IAA. The tire has been developed in conjunction with leading trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull AG for a new light-weight semi-trailer, which the company is developing predominantly for distribution. This is another example of Goodyear s inventive approach to tire development in meeting customer needs, reducing transport costs and ultimately reducing the environmental impact of transport. The weight capacity of the tires makes the key feature of the new trailer design possible. This is a 20 tonne tandem bogie in place of a conventional 24 tonne tri-axle bogie. The new tires allow 20 tonnes on a tandem bogie with single tires, as the innovative 385/65R22.5 tires have a load index of 164 = 5 tonnes instead of the normal 160 = 4.5 tonnes. The new tandem semi-trailer with a 4x2 tractor gives a maximum GVW of 38 tonnes compared to 40 tonnes maximum GVW for a 4x2 tractor and tri-axle semi-trailer. The fact it has single tires and the tandem bogie is 1 tonne lighter than a tri-axle equivalent, gives it an excellent payload, and operating costs will be significantly lower than many conventional trailers. The prototype Goodyear tire has a 4-rib design featuring the number 10t incorporated in the tread and colored sidewall markings; to highlight the axle capacity this tire allows. It also has a new carcass design, which is designed to reduce temperatures in the tire to ensure high mileage and good durability. Production of the tire featuring a revised tread pattern will start in time for the launch of the new Schmitz Cargobull trailer early in This tire is a perfect example of cooperative working to help an OEM find a solution. In this case that solution means that transport companies will improve their profitability thanks to reduced costs, said Boris Stevanovic, Marketing Director Truck Tires, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe. As well as this, there are environmental benefits as fewer tires are required and greater fuel efficiency will also be the result. Goodyear predicts that the 10-tonne concept will be adopted by other trailer manufacturers and become a popular option, particularly amongst distribution companies. The bogie is very light and the rear axle steers to aid maneuverability 7

8 . Goodyear Dunlop Keeps the Wheels Turning at IAA Goodyear s and Dunlop s share of the Original Equipment market was underlined by the number of trucks, buses and trailers fitted with the brands at the IAA. Here are a few pictures to give a flavor of the event. 8

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10 Goodyear Champions Urban Eco Transport Restrictions on commercial vehicles in towns and cities, to reduce the effects of traffic, increasing fuel costs and customers ecological and economical policies are creating an increasing number of initiatives that require new technology solutions. Goodyear is working on several major projects that focus on utilizing its innovative technology in developing tires, which reduce the ecological impact while at the same time improve operator profitability and do not compromise on tire life or braking performance. The main area of research involves vehicles operating in town and city centres, where noise is a major issue. The Project Peak in Flanders, Belgium is an example of traffic control to improve the environment. Goodyear s partners in these projects include Belgian supermarket chain, Colruyt, STAF - the distribution contractor for Carrefour supermarkets, as well as vehicle manufacturers Renault, with Coca-Cola in Belgium, and Van Hool, with hybrid buses for De Lijn in Flanders. Project Peak involves supermarket chains Delhaize and Colruyt as well as the communities of Anvers, Lier, Geel, Hasselt, Courtrai, Ninove, Leuven and Vilvoorde. The purpose is to make urban distribution more acceptable outside normal peak working hours hence the name Peak. The objectives are to reduce noise, omissions and accidents. Goodyear customer Colruyt approached them for help. Colruyt, which has more than 400 stores, has built an experimental hybrid truck which can drive up to ten kilometers purely on electricity, and is consequently almost noiseless. Goodyear is working closely on developing tires for this truck. Colruyt Director general Luc Rogge says that the hybrid truck has many advantages. Our hybrid truck not only consumes less fuel, but also emits much less CO 2, as it can run for over 10 kilometers on electricity. The noise levels for surrounding residents are negligible. That means we can use a very wide delivery window. Renault Trucks has produced a special hybrid truck for Coca-Cola Enterprises Belgium. This is one of three Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech vehicles produced to test the new technology under operational conditions. The Coca-Cola vehicle will operate in the Brussels area, delivering the brand's products to sales outlets. Goodyear is working closely with its two partners to study this operation to learn more about the optimum operating cost equation of hybrid vehicles. This truck was displayed by Renault at the IAA, fitted with Goodyear Regional RHS II, steer tires, and Goodyear Regional RHD II, drive tires. Renault Hybrys for Coca-Cola distribution Van Hool A330 Van Hool is supplying 81 of its A330 hybrid buses to Belgian public transport company De Lijn, fitted with Goodyear tires. In March, De Lijn put its first articulated hybrid diesel bus into service in Ghent, followed by other types of hybrid in Louvain and Bruges. Van Hool has now started production of the remaining buses. These have alternative electric drive, which is enhanced by super-capacitors. Because urban bus operation comprises constant stop start, with short stops, the super-capacitor comes into its own. As the bus slows and stops, the drive motors become generators and energy is stored in supercapacitors. As the vehicle starts to accelerate, these capacitors discharge into the motors giving a powerful boost from the recycled energy. The system is like the KERS system used in Formula 1 racing. 10

11 Goodyear and DAF Trucks are working together on a number of projects to provide truck operators with innovative transport solutions that also reduce environmental impact and improve operational economy. This work involves advanced research into several technological areas including aerodynamic drag, noise, rolling resistance and load capacity. Most of the work is directly or indirectly related to ecology and economy. In this context, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance both directly influence fuel consumption. Less fuel used is good for both the environment and the operator. Noise is also an environmental concern and quieter vehicles can mean less operational restrictions, particularly in urban areas. Load capacity s relationship to ecological and economical issues is less obvious. To meet the ever tougher environmental regulations related to noise and exhaust emissions, extra equipment is needed on trucks and so unladen weight increases, in particular over the front axle. One project involves developing steer tires, which have greater load capacity to optimize payload and which cause less road damage. DAF Development Projects DAF truck undergoing noise testing at the Goodyear Innovation Center Luxembourg Goodyear and Volvo Go for World Record Goodyear & Volvo Directors & others with Staffan Jufors, Volvo Trucks President, by the land speed record truck at the IAA Volvo Trucks are engaged with Goodyear on a project that demonstrates the ultimate performance potential of the hybrid concept: they aim to set the world speed record for hybrid trucks for average speed over 500m and 1000m from a standing start. Volvo is working with Boije Overbrink on the project. Boije already holds the speed record in this discipline with a diesel-powered Volvo truck and that record stands at nearly 131km/h and 167km/h on 500m and 1000m respectively. Because of the high speed involved in this project, Goodyear Truck Racing tires are fitted to the front axle. These tires are the only ones approved by the FIA for European Truck Racing and are designed to take high loads and temperatures that occur in such extreme conditions. The rear tires are specially built 495/45R22.5 super single drive tires. These have been developed using a special compound to be lightweight and to take the forces and temperatures that the land speed record runs will create, these tires may also be a first flavour of how drive tires may look on future urban vehicles. 11