A few weeks ago I got invited to the launch of Goodyear’s new set of tires made specifically for SUVs. Although I just got an SUV a year ago and don’t think my tires would need any replacement anytime soon, I was really curious as to why you’d need to spend on a specially designed tires that cost way–way more than ordinary ones.
I’ve always wanted an SUV, even though they say cars give you maximum driving comfort, the thought of getting a car never occurred to me. I know Im not alone as globally the SUV has evolved into the “aspirational” vehicle of most people who dream of owning a car.
In the past, the predecessors of what we now call SUVs were rugged, purpose built machines designed for terrain and conditions that would simply break less robustly designed vehicles. They were also notoriously exasperating to drive on-road. They had very heavy steering that required frequent correction just to stay in a straight line, they were hilariously slow, and had the passing power of a road roller, they were also uncomfortable to ride under any set of conditions. They were vehicles for a select, specialized group of people with distinct needs.
The modern SUV will out accelerate and out corner most compact sedans, and even most sports cars from the 90s. Mid-sized SUVs are often as comfortable and even more spacious than mid-sized sedans. As refined and car-like as the modern SUV is, manufacturers haven’t “tossed” the parameters around which SUVs have always been designed. They still have extra tough chassis and suspensions, high ground clearance and most of all, large, rugged, and formidable tires.
“Goodyear, recognizes the versatility of the SUV, as well as the fact that SUV owners are a diverse group, with complex requirements,” shared Goodyear Philippines Market Director Kenneth Sambajon at the launch of Goodyear’s latest range of SUV tires. Goodyear launched not one, but four models of SUV tires for versatile SUVs and the diverse people who love them.
“While SUV characteristics such as high ground clearance and ample cabin and storage space appeal to almost all SUV owners, most SUVs will never be used for off-roading. The popularity of 4×2 SUVs is proof of that. So, for on-road conditions, most SUV owners will need a set of grippy, quiet, and comfortable tires. That is precisely what the new Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance SUV provides,” shares Sambajon.
“On the other hand, SUV purists will always still buy SUVs to use in the great outdoors, so it is fitting then that we offer them tire options to match their sense of adventure, and to complement the often dormant, under-utilized capabilities of modern SUVs,” says Sambajon. “It is these customers that we take extra pleasure developing tires for, they challenge us to elevate our game, and that is exactly what our engineers have done with the new Goodyear Wrangler series.”
For “weekend warriors” there is the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar with 50% off-road and 50% on-road application. Reinforced with Dupont Kevlar typically reserved for bulletproof vests, this tire is for city dwellers who might decide at a moment’s notice to head out to far flung rural areas. It is a do all tire that is also equally at home on the open highway.
For the more rugged adventurers that require versatility for long stretches of highway, challenging terrain and tough off-road trails, there is the Wrangler Duratrac with 70% off-road and 30% on-road application. With its TractiveGroove technology that offers enhanced traction in deep mud, unique tread block design and rim protector, the Wrangler Duratrac is the perfect workhorse tire for rugged off-road terrain that still offers a quieter ride on paved roads.
The Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar is for serious off-roaders only. The kind who go out of their way to push their skills and their SUVs to the absolute limit. Built for the most extreme and most challenging road conditions, this is Goodyear’s first off-road tire to incorporate DuPont Kevlar on its 3-ply sidewall brining superb cut and puncture resistance to an area of the tire that demands extra toughness when driving off-road.
I got to ask the peeps from Goodyear about their new tires and here’s what they’ve got to say:
What is it that sets Goodyear apart from its competitors?
Our competitive advantage is how we integrate our tire innovations with our customer focus. Goodyear is a global leader in tire technology and innovation, with a focus on creating unique products and services that enhance performance and improve safety. But it is not innovation for innovation’s sake. It starts with the customer—and ends with customer. It’s something we call market-back innovation. Our customer-focused innovations have resulted in Goodyear being awarded the honor of being a Thomas Reuters Top 100 Global Innovator for the past three years.
What are the key features of QuietTred Technology and what are the benefits for the customers?
QuietTred Technology provides exceptional quiet performance through a unique noise-dampening tread design, which compromises of three key features:
- Increased Number of Pitches and Optimized Distribution: Reduces the size of the blocks and lowers the impact and radiated noise from the tires.
- Closed Grooves & Shoulder Design: Limits the amount of air captured in the tread while driving and prevents sound waves radiating from the tires. This helps to lower the exterior and interior noise level.
- Optimized Cavity Shape & Non-Skid Distribution: Produces less vibrations and consistent wear throughout the tire life.
What is FlexContact Technology and what are the benefits for the customers?
FlexContact Technology provides a better comfort with the decrease of tire vibrations for a smoother ride, and comprises of these three key features:
Heavy Gauge under tread and Barrier Gum Strip: The rigid rubber material under the block elements will avoid road-induced block movements and the gum strip increases the insulation of the tire structure, both of which will cause lesser vibrations and ensure a smoother ride.
Shock absorbing cushion layer: Reduced hysteresis to avoid road induced block movements, thus reducing tire vibration.
Hexagonal bead: The homogeneous contact between the tire and rim will reduce the vibration from being transmitted into the car, making it a more comfortable ride.
What contributed to better wet performance?
The EffificientGrip Performance SUV has improved and excellent wet performance due to the following key features:
High Performance Tread Compound: Consist of new innovative polymers from Germany with optimized microstructure, which increases grip in wet road conditions.
Wider and Reinforced Shoulder Blocks: Help to increase the contact area during braking and have a better grip, thus having a shorter wet braking distance.
Wider Center Sipes: This feature balances the contact area and improves the water evacuation route, which helps to improve both the wet braking and curved aquaplaning of the tire.
What are the advantages of EfficientGrip Performance SUV compared to EfficientGrip SUV?
Though both tires are quiet and comfort for luxury SUV, but the EfficientGrip Performance SUV has an improved wet performance (shorter wet braking distance, better aqua planning, improved wet handling), improved steering response (better dry handling, wet handling and heavy handling) and improved fuel efficiency (lower fuel consumption).
Why is EfficientGrip Performance SUV an important product for Goodyear?
The SUV segment represents the fastest growing market in the Asia Pacific region, and is expected to increase with a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% from 2012 to 2020. This segment provides a valuable improved brand image through fitments on high-end luxury vehicles. In order to meet the growing demand, Goodyear is committed to continued innovation and in offering high performing products to our consumers.
How confident is Goodyear of this product when it hits the market?
The EfficientGrip Performance SUV is an ideal choice for today’s discerning consumer looking for a safer and more reliable drive that delivers in all weather or road conditions. With its improved wet braking performance, Goodyear is extremely confident that the EfficientGrip Performance SUV meets the needs of drivers in [insert country], making it the choice tire for a safer and more comfortable ride for drivers and their families.
“Whether you are a doting parent who likes to take your family on the occasional outing, or an adrenaline junkie who loves the freedom and the adventure of pushing a beast of an SUV to its very limit, Goodyear makes a tire perfect for your SUV and your unique lifestyle,” concludes Sambajon.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV, Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, Wrangler Duratrac, and Wrangler MT/R with Kevlar and are available at Goodyear Autocare outlets. All four tire models are available with the Goodyear 5-Year Limited Warranty and Goodyear Worry Free Assurance.
Designed primarily for premium SUVs, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV utilizes an array of technologies to deliver premium on-road performance. QuietTread technology consists a noise-dampening advanced tread and carcass design which provides improved noise performances as the tire wears that helps deliver a quieter and more comfortable ride. The FlexContact Technology has a shock absorbing cushion layer compound which lowers tire vibration in order to reduce the impact of road irregularities, providing for a smoother and more comfortable drive. The EfficientGrip Performance SUV promises excellent Wet Performance with its new innovative polymers with optimized microstructure for increased grip in wet road conditions, along with wider and reinforced shoulder blocks to increase braking performance.
