Bridgestone product feature for Transport Operator
18 January 2012
One of the biggest challenges facing transport operators remains rising fuel costs. Even if your fleet is running efficiently and you have reduced empty running to a minimum, the fact remains that the cost of fuel is at an all-time high. This combined with a shaky economy that is forcing margins to be kept tight, means that it is more challenging than ever before for transport operators to remain profitable.
However, according to Andy Mathias, UK TBR Product and Marketing Manager at Bridgestone, the small patch of tyre that separates your van or truck from the road can have a massive impact on your fuel bill: “A low rolling resistance tyre can reduce fuel expenditure considerably. A reduction in rolling resistance of 20% can reduce fuel expenditure by up to 5% per annum.” says Mathias.
“Keeping the correct air pressure in your tyres is as important as giving your engine a tune up. With the right amount of air pressure, your tyres wear longer, save fuel, enhance handling and prevent accidents. The effects of not maintaining correct air pressure are poor fuel mileage, loss of tyre life, bad handling and potential vehicle overloading.
Throughout 2012 Bridgestone UK will be testing its next generation low rolling resistance tyres - Ecopia II - across the country ahead of their launch in 2013. Based on the successful existing Ecopia range this latest offering represents the next step in the company’s commitment to develop tyres that offer greener motoring without compromising on performance.
“The full trial of the new Ecopia II tyres is set to take place across the UK in 2012 ahead of their launch and will build on the low fuel consumption levels and long product life that sit at the core of the existing range.” continues Mathias, “We are very hopeful that these new models will represent a sizable step forward from the already impressive performance levels of Ecopia.
The Ecopia Truck Range significantly lowers rolling resistance which helps operators to maximise fuel consumption but without compromising on performance, including wet grip, thanks to Bridgestone’s NanoPro-Tech Compound. Additionally, Ecopia’s Waved Belt Technology ensures a stable footprint throughout the tyres’ life while its Turn-in-Ply and Stone Ejectors increase durability and prevent stones from being retained and prematurely damaging the tyres.
For more information visit www.ecopia.eu
Issued on behalf of Bridgestone UK www.bridgestone.co.uk by SMARTS. For further information call Neil Williams at SMARTS on 0121 456 3199 or email neil.williams@smarts.co.uk
About Bridgestone
The largest manufacturer of tyres and rubber products worldwide, Bridgestone leads the way in quality, technologically innovative goods and services and is a trusted brand that goes from strength to strength.
Established in 1931 in the small town of Kurume, Japan on the island of Kyushu by its founder Shojiro Ishibashi, today it is a multi billion pound business with 183 manufacturing plants, in 26 countries and a presence in over 150 markets worldwide.
Always seeking to be the best at what it does, Bridgestone is focused on its mission of “serving society with superior quality” through an enviable range of products that satisfy the needs of the customer and society as a whole.