Bridgestone unveiled its latest generation of its Ecopia truck tyre at IAA in Hannover, which the company says could save fleets significant sums of money over the life of the tyre.
The Ecopia H002 has been given an EU label A-A-A grade combination in steer, drive and trailer and can improve fuel efficiency by 3.75% on long haul work, according to the company. For a fleet of 150 trucks and trailers, this equates to savings of more than €200,000 (about £177,500) per year. In addition, it can cut CO2 emissions by 546 tonnes per year.
Steven de Bock, director of sales and operations, commercial products at Bridgestone, said that the savings come from a range of technological innovations in the tyre, including using a silica compound. “There are quite a few innovative things in it,” he said.
De Bock added that the company is also confident that the tyre will last for a standard 500,000km.
New Ecopia H002 has been launched with 315/70R22.5 steer/drive and 385/55R22.5 trailer tyres available, with four more products set to be launched by the end of 2018. The full line-up, including the 60” series, will be completed in 2019 to cover all main long-haul sizes.
In addition, Bridgestone launched FleetPulse, which comprises a mobile app, centralised website and tyre pressure monitoring system hardware.
Via an app, drivers and technicians can complete roadworthiness checks for their vehicles and ensure that nothing is missed by making sure that all necessary checks are made. “Sometimes they just might kick the tyres and then tell the boss they’re ready to roll,” said de Bock. But this is about vehicle status – the lights are working, there are no brake abnormalities etc – if there is the fleet manager can be immediately notified so they can book services for repairs and such like.”
