Dunlop launches next generation van tyre
Dunlop has launched Econodrive, a next generation van tyre designed specifically to lower the cost of ownership for their drivers and owners.
The new tyre includes some 12 advanced engineering upgrades and new technologies, specifically designed to ensure that vans can go farther, for longer, and at lower cost. These include improved mileage, better rolling resistance, new construction elements, a four rib tread design for wet conditions and a redeveloped compound.
With the van market expecting to see growth over the next years, additionally fueling a solid replacement market, the need for fuel efficient tyres that deliver a lot of mileage is growing. With cost of ownership seeing dramatic increases, driven by petrol prices, fuel efficiency is a key driver for fleet and individual vehicle owners alike.
“At Dunlop we have always understood that companies which operate vans are in the market to make a profit with their goods and services”, says Richard Warbrick, Managing Director Dunlop Ireland. “Delivering a next generation tyre which is specifically designed to provide a combined promise of high quality, long distances, a comfortable ride and all at reduced fuel cost means we are helping them to achieve their specific business targets head-on”.
Dunlop’s EconoDrive has been developed to meet these specific needs. Amongst the new and upgraded features, Dunlop’s new tyre comes with a new, stiffer Silica/Carbon Black blend specifically designed to reduce rolling resistance and increase mileage.
Further extensive efforts to lower rolling resistance on EconoDrive include the introduction of an optimized ply line and sidewall gauge, combined with high ply turn-up, which allows for less heat generation and as a result less resistance. Optimized topping at each belt ending further ensures less heat generation, again delivering a better roll.
“We have gone through great lengths to develop a tyre which delivers on cost of ownership”, continues Marfleet. “A significant amount of effort has gone into the development a state-of-the-art tyre for vans and vans which delivers, delivers and delivers on fuel efficiencies. To achieve this we did not only concentrate on improving in one area, we literally pushed the boundaries to do so across the board.”
Apart from delivering on fuel efficiencies, Dunlop engineers have spent a significant amount of time to also develop a tyre that delivers a comfortable drive. Specific features include the insertion of an optimized construction under the tread specially designed to provide uniform pressure distribution, and a stiff belt material for better force transmission in lateral and longitudinal directions. A flat belt construction allows for squarer footprint and therefore more contact on shoulder providing enhanced handling. A thicker sidewall gauge helps to protect against curb damage.
On wet road surfaces, a centerline circumferential groove enables to tyre to effectively absorb water, while lateral grooves allow for an efficient water evacuation towards the outside.
“We have put a lot of effort into the development of this tyre and it shows”, concludes Warbrick. “When developing this tyre we wanted to meet as many of the needs indicated to us by van drivers, and today we deliver a tyre that meets those needs”.