19
December
2016
|
12:12 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Goodyear launches second generation Vector 4Seasons tire

Builds on 30 years of all-season tire innovation, OE fitments and consumer insights

Goodyear launched its new all season tire, the second generation Vector 4Seasons. The Vector 4Seasons Generation-2 is a winter tire with excellent summer capabilities that can meet the most challenging road conditions in Europe. Multiple independent and internal tire tests confirm that Goodyear continues to lead in snow and ice capabilities, as well as the all-important wet category – all classic European winter realities. The recent results of the TUV tests confirm this position as Goodyear landed first place in braking on wet, snow and ice against all competitors[1].

The Vector 4Seasons Generation 2 is designed to meet an increasing demand for convenience from European drivers who do not always change their tires according to seasonality. Recent research[2] by Goodyear showed that a significant number of consumers in Europe see an all season tire as a comfortable alternative for the second family car and that the convenience of a single tire fitment is gaining popularity on these vehicles.

The new Vector 4Seasons is developed to meet and match key winter needs, especially in regions with a softer winter. Although these regions often have less regular sub-zero temperatures, they still face conditions such as light snow and ice.  Compared to its predecessor, the improved arrangement of smaller and connected blocks improves the tire’s overall performance on snowy roads while a wide cavity delivers improved overall performance on icy roads.

Because not all winters are dominated by snow, Goodyear included its advanced SmartTred plasticizer, the latest polymer technology and an increased silica proportion to deliver a better overall performance on wet, slushy and icy roads compared its predecessor. The inclusion of hydrodynamic grooves further deliver improved aquaplaning resistance on wet and slushy roads. The new generation Vector 4Seasons also delivers improved stability and handling on dry roads versus its predecessor thanks to enhanced tread stiffness, provided by its 3D sipes. Finally, a solid tread pattern with gradient stiffness provides excellent performance over the tire’s entire life.

The promises of the Vector 4Seasons have been confirmed by the independent TUV test[3]. The results have shown that the tire is a leader on wet surfaces, snow and ice braking compared to all competitors. V4S is therefore ensures driver safety during dangerous road conditions – especially in the most difficult situations. On snow, the Vector 4Seasons proved to have an 8% shorter braking distance on snowy roads as compared to the average of its competitors. In the same tests, the Vector4Seasons also showed 6% shorter breaking distance on wet surfaces and a 9% shorter braking distance on icy roads compared to the average of its competitors.

“When we developed the Vector 4Seasons range we looked at ensuring that the tire could meet the most challenging road conditions in Europe – namely those in winter–while also being a true all season tire,” said Izabela Bronikowska, Marketing Manager EMEA at Goodyear. “Today the TUV tire test³ confirms that we continue to lead in snow and ice capabilities, as well as the all-important wet category – all classic European winter realities. Improving our consumers’ safety in all conditions remains a top priority for Goodyear, and the Vector 4Seasons will continue to contribute to that promise by keeping consumers moving ahead and feeling safe all year long.”

The new Vector 4Seasons builds on over 30 years of all-season tire innovation, as well many years of insights delivered from all-season fitments on hundreds of original equipment (OE) vehicles including leading brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, Ford and Renault. 

 “The launch of our second generation Vector 4Seasons is built of over 30 years of engineering innovation, consumer insights and OE fitments,” said Bronikowska. “Goodyear has been a leader in the four season market since it first launched the concept of an all seasons tire in the mid-1980s and today we continue to deliver on our original promise of delivering quality and peace of mind in a single tire.”

Today Goodyear’s award-winning Vector 4Seasons Generation 2 tires are available at retail outlets in all key European markets, with additional sizes added to the range through January 2016. In total a line-up of 43 different sizes, including 3 run on flat models, will be made available on the market by early 2016. The new generation tire will integrally replace its predecessor in those markets over time. 



[1] For braking on wet, snow and ice. Compared to average performance of 3 latest designs from main competitors in All Season segment (Michelin Cross Climate, Pirelli Cinturato All-Season, Vredestein Quatrac 5). Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service in July – Sep 2015 by order of Goodyear Dunlop. Tire Size: 205/55 R16 V; Test Car: VW Golf; Test Locations: Montpellier (F), SHPG Wanaka (NZ), Colmar-Berg (L); Report No. 713065970.

[2] ALL SEASON TYRES WITHIN THE UK MARKET: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE REPORT 2013

[3] For braking on wet, snow and ice. Compared to average performance of 3 latest designs from main competitors in All Season segment (Michelin Cross Climate, Pirelli Cinturato All-Season, Vredestein Quatrac 5). Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service in July – Sep 2015 by order of Goodyear Dunlop. Tire Size: 205/55 R16 V; Test Car: VW Golf; Test Locations: Montpellier (F), SHPG Wanaka (NZ), Colmar-Berg (L); Report No. 713065970.