Yokohama Rubber Co. received Japan’s “Good Design Award” for its fuel-efficient BluEarth AE-01 passenger radial.
It marked the second consecutive year that Yokohama has received the honor. Last year, Yokohama’s Advan dB won the award, which is presented by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization. Yokohama also won the award in 2002 for its Eco Tire DNA series.
The BluEarth AE-01 was released in Japan this past July, and has been rated AA-C for rolling resistance and wet grip under the new tire rating and labeling system launched in January 2010 by the Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA).
“Under the new BluEarth concept ‘Easy on the Environment, People and Society’ – Yokohama endeavors to be environmentally friendly through excellent fuel-efficiency, and easy on drivers and surrounding living environments through improvements in safety and comfort, and reduction of noise outside the vehicle,” the company said in announcing the award.