At the 2015 Goodyear Dealer Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. introduced its most fuel-efficient long-haul steer tire in North America, the Fuel Max LHS.
It compliments the Fuel Max LHD G505D drive tire, which was launched last October. Both are SmartWay-verified.
"We know that fuel is a long-haul fleet’s number-one expense," says Gary Medalis, director of marketing for Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems. "If you’re a fleet, the quickest way to reduce your operating costs is to reduce your fuel consumption. That’s exactly what our Fuel Max LHD G505D/Fuel Max LHS combination is designed to do, while at the same time delivering other benefits that are important to long-haul fleets."
In addition to its fuel efficiency, the new Fuel Max LHS offers the following:
* specialized, multi-layered tread compounding to promote even wear and the long miles to removal;
* penetration protectors to help prevent stone drilling (which promotes casing retreadability);
* a steel belt and casing package for enhanced toughness and endurance.
The LHS will not replace the Goodyear 399A steer tire, which also features Fuel Max technology. According to Brian Buckham, general manager of commercial product marketing, the LHS performs as well as the 399A in all other areas, including tread wear.
In the fourth quarter, Goodyear will complete the lineup by launching the Fuel Max LHT trailer tire and Fuel Max RSA regional all-position tire. They, too, will be SmartWay-verified.
Goodyear will have a corresponding retread pattern available matching the the Fuel Max LHT. It already has one for the LHD.
