According to the company, Max Technology benefits are said to include improvements to fuel consumption, shorter wet braking, greater load capacity and longer tyre life. To prove their performance, Goodyear’s new regional and long haul truck tyres have been independently tested and successfully compared with not only their predecessors but also their competition. Max Technology includes new high silica content tread compounds, new tread designs, new carcass construction and new sizes, the company said.
Nigel Sowerby, director of truck tyres, stated: “The low rolling resistance of the new Goodyear range ensures improved fuel consumption, and when this is combined with longer mileage, provides low cost per mile for the operator. Longer life and a reduction in fuel usage also mean environmental benefits; using less carbon-based fuel and producing less CO2. At the CV Show we will be demonstrating this with testimonials from the fleets who have tested Max Technology during the last six months.”
FuelMax, KMax and AirMax are three new ideas from Goodyear, which make up the Max Technology family. FuelMax Technology is for long haul tyres and is a combination of dedicated design and material features. These improve fuel consumption and reduce emissions, while providing enhanced mileage and wet braking performance. KMax Technology is for regional haul applications and is a specific combination of dedicated tyre features. These have been developed to maximize tyre mileage, allow a wide application range and improve fuel consumption to reduce cost/km. The AirMax concept is to increase the air volume inside a tyre without increasing its diameter. This has a wide range of benefits including increased load capacity, lower operating costs and less road damage. The range has already been trialled by selected UK fleets, and the NEC show marks the first UK appearance of the entire Max Technology range.
According to company literature, Goodyear Dunlop has the most comprehensive truck tyre supporting infrastructure in the European tyre industry. Its services include the TruckForce service network, ActionLine roadside assistance and FleetOnlineSolutions Internet management system. The TruckForce service network has over 1,100 locations across Europe all equipped with the trained staff and specialist equipment necessary to competently and efficiently undertake any tyre-related task.
“In the UK, we have successfully re-launched the TruckForce network, carefully repositioning it separately to the company’s HiQ retail car and van tyre business, to provide the only 100% truck-focused service network owned by a tyre manufacturer in the country” added Nigel Sowerby. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)
