Goodyear's next generation RunOnFlat tyre technology has successfully hit the road: First cars such as the new Mercedes E-class and models of other prestigious brands have left the car manufacturers' factories with the latest generation of Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres.
The latest generation of Goodyear's RunOnFlat offers numerous benefits to car makers, consumers and the environment, including improved comfort, reduced mass and rolling resistance, improved fuel consumption as well as reduced CO2 emission levels.
It marks another breakthrough for RunOnFlat: the new generation of RunOnFlat tyres is in terms of comfort comparable to regular tyres. Therefore, car manufacturers do not need to modify the suspension or chassis of their cars to use the new RunOnFlat tyres.
With the EC type approval regulation 316 passing, making a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) mandatory on every new car as of 2012, the European Commission gives a clear signal that Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems are important and necessary for consumers. In the near future, all cars will be equipped with a TPMS and can be fitted with the new generation of RunOnFlat tyres.
Considerate to the environment: less fuel and CO2
Goodyear's new generation RunOnFlat tyre technology provides additional comfort but also ensures less rolling resistance, which leads to lower fuel consumption and less CO2 emissions. The new generation RunOnFlat tyres support automotive manufacturers to bring to market vehicles that adhere to stricter CO2 emission guidelines and limits set by European authorities.
With RunOnFlat tyres, there is also no need for a spare wheel or a car jack. This frees up space for luggage, lowers cost and saves weight, which leads to greater fuel economy.
Over 2,5 Million RunOnFlat tyres sold in 2008
Several car manufacturers have decided to complete their vehicle's safety packages with the industry's leading tyre technology that protects drivers and their families in case of a sudden air loss – a seldom but risky incident. Goodyear delivers RunOnFlat tyres to leading car makers such as Audi, BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and several others. In 2008 Goodyear sold over 2,5 Million tyres with RunOnFlat Technology.
Leading car manufacturers equip their models with RunOnflat tyres
The Original Equipment market's interest leads the demand for Goodyear's innovative technology. Goodyear today equips about 35 percent of the cars that are originally fitted with this tyre technology and the interest from consumers is growing steadily.
Today, more than 70 percent of all car models of the BMW group are equipped with the special tyre technology, including the 1 Series (3-door), 1 Series (5- door), 1 Series Coupé, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Touring, 3 Series Coupé, 3 Series Convertible, 5 Series Sedan, 5 Series Touring, 6 Series Coupé, 6 Series Convertible, 7 Series Sedan, X3, X5, X6, Z4 Coupé, and Z4 Roadster, as well as various Mini models and famous Rolls-Royce cars.
"All top-of-the-range models of the BMW group such as the 7-series, X5, X6 and all Rolls-Royce models are delivered to their new owners on tyres with run-flat technology. These cars are driven by consumers that in particular value the high comfort levels of their prestigious cars," said Jean-Pierre Jeusette, Goodyear Director Tyre Technology Consumer Tyres for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
In 2008, RunOnFlat tyres were supplied to Audi for its A3, A5, A6 and TT models. Mercedes-Benz has equipped its A-, C-, CLS, CLK-, SLK, GL, E- and S-Class with RunOnFlat tyres. Owners of a Ferrari 360 Modena, F430, a Maserati Quattroporte or Jaguar XK could drive tyres with Goodyear's RunOnFlat Technology, as could owners of a Ford Galaxy, Mondeo or an Opel Astra and Corsa. "The range of models that are available with RunOnFlat tyres is wide with over 100 new projects in the pipeline for the next two years," said Jeusette.
Safety and mobility
Goodyear RunOnFlat tyres allow drivers of all these different cars to keep on driving in the event of a puncture and therefore, leaving them ample time to get home or to a nearby repair shop by providing continued mobility within a distance of at least 50 miles and at a maximum speed of 50mph – even on a fully deflated tyre. Goodyear's RunOnFlat effectively puts an end to the hassle of changing a tyre whilst being exposed to passing traffic or unloading the boot in the pouring rain to find the spare tyre.
For the past few years, Goodyear's RunOnFlat has been one of the leading active safety technologies to help drivers maintain full control over the car in the event of a puncture.
