Nissan signs agreement with Dunlop for the supply of its AA tyres
Dunlop has reached an agreement with Nissan and its Eco Racing Team for the supply of its BluResponse AA tyres. Dunlop’s new AA-labelled tyres will be fitted on the Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi, the Nissan Micra 1.2 DIG-S, and two electric Nissan LEAF models, which will be taking part at the Spain-based Eco Series races.
Dunlop first introduced its AA-labeled tyres in Europe on May 31st, under the brand name BluResponse AA. The AA label on the tyres means that the BluResponse AA achieves the highest grading levels obtainable on fuel efficiency and wet grip, as set out by the new European regulation on Tyre Labelling.
The Eco Series 2012 races are the first European Championships on permanent circuits that focus on efficient driving, energy conservation and alternative energy. A total of five races are driven in Spain throughout the year. The races have become the first European Championships test circuit based-race built on three parameters: efficient driving, energy saving and alternative energies. Currently, several recognised standing car brands such as Nissan, BMW, MINI, Ford and Mercedes participate with their most efficient vehicles.
At the second Eco Series race, held in July, at Calafat Circuit near Ametlla de Mar, Nissan’s EcoTeam has already competed with the new Dunlop Sport BluResponse AA tyres. The tyres contributed to the team’s victory in that race. The team also won in their respective categories.
“The Eco Series races are a perfect showcase to demonstrate that Dunlop is able to combine the brand’s racing heritage with fuel efficiency.” States Carlos Manuel García, Iberia’s Dunlop Brand Manager. “Dunlop has once again proved that it is a key contributor to enabling the teams we support to reach a podium place, and further builds on our successful partnership with Nissan in racing”.
The Nissan Eco Team is supported by the Nissan Technical Center Europe situated in Barcelona, and includes in Nissan’s program Performance Innovation. This program is created with the objective of improving their products.
The idea of creating Nissan Eco Team emerged from their aim to improve the performance and efficiency of their vehicles, extending the knowledge gained in the competitions, as well as developing new technology in order to reduce emissions. The Nissan Eco Team is supported by 65 Nissan employees from different areas and specialisations that voluntarily spend their spare time preparing the vehicles and organizing the races. Moreover, they are also the car drivers, who are trained to observe efficient driving techniques before every race.