A new high energy efficiency tyre capable of being fitted to more than 50 per cent of all vehicles sold in Australia is to be launched without price premium.
Japanese tyre maker Toyo Tires says its new Nano Energy 3 tyre is intended to normalise energy efficiency.
The tyre exceeds the benchmarks of safety and performance set by its mass market predecessor, the Toyo TEO Plus, while achieving high levels of fuel saving.
"Early energy efficient tyres were once regarded as specialised with limited application," Toyo's general manager of tyres, Matthew Grovenor, said.
"Now fuel saving through tyres has become such an obvious goal that it is essential for tyres intended for family and fleet use."
The new tyre has 23 per cent better rolling resistance than the one it replaces, yet has nine per cent better wet weather braking performance from 100km/h and five per cent better dry weather performance.
Potential tyre life has been improved and noise levels have been reduced.
It will be available in 41 sizes ranging from 13 to 17 inches and down to a 45 aspect ratio, suited to small, medium and large cars.
A variation of the new tyre is already fitted as original equipment to the Mazda 3 which is vying for market leadership in Australia.
Passing noise is rated at just 69 decibels, at the low range of audio intrusion.
The Nano Energy 3 tyre has been built to a new manufacturing code called ATOM - for Advanced Tyre Operation Module - which emphasises precision engineering to achieve consistently tighter manufacturing tolerances, resulting in higher levels of uniformity.
Subsequently, the tyre requires less balance correction when it is fitted.
Mr Grovenor said Nano Energy 3 met the high standards of the newly introduced European tyre labelling requirements for energy efficiency, wet weather grip and noise.
Tyre labelling, yet to be introduced in Australia, is similar to the Green Vehicle Guide on the windscreens of cars and energy guides on household goods.
"Choosing replacement tyres based on low purchase price was increasingly recognised as a false economy," Mr Grovenor said.
"Families buy on rational criteria influenced by safety, mileage and value.
"Fleet decisions are partially determined by fuel economy, health and safety requirements and frequency of replacement.
"Tyres epitomised by Nano Energy 3 provide safety and handling and make a contribution to reduced emissions and increased fuel savings, which are felt at the pumps," Mr Grovenor said.
