23
August
2016
|
08:02 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

Goodyear FUELMAX versus KMAX – French logistics company Transports Bertin saves with Goodyear truck tires

Transports Bertin is the international logistics and transport company based in France, focuses on getting the best return on investment from its equipment. The tires it fits on its trucks are no exception. To find out which of Goodyear´s FUELMAX and KMAX truck tires offers the lowest Cost of Ownership for its operations, Transports Bertin has run a comparison test using two trucks using Goodyear´s latest truck tire generations[1]. The result showed clearly that the Goodyear FUELMAX fuel efficient and the KMAX high mileage truck tires both generate impressive savings for the fleet.

Transports Bertin, like many other transport companies, operates its vehicles in different conditions with some on long haul work and others involved in regional operations. This mixture of operational types makes tire choice difficult between the Goodyear FUELMAX line, which is optimized for fuel efficiency for long haul operations, and KMAX for regional operations where mileage is more critical.

The tests were run over two three-month test periods with the telemetry and tire data recorded throughout. The results in terms of fuel consumption were in clear favor for the FUELMAX range. The FUELMAX combination returned a very commendable 28.84 liters/100 kilometers and the KMAX tires 29.78 liters/100 kilometers.

Comparing mileage showed that the estimated total mileage for the FUELMAX combination varied between 175,000 kms on the trailer tires and 245.000 kms on the steer tires. The KMAX tires varied between 191,000 kms on the trailer tires and 276,000 kms on the drive tires. Not surprisingly, in terms of costs the results showed that the KMAX tires offered more benefits than the FUELMAX tires in terms of mileage but the reverse was true with regard to fuel consumption.

Put into financial terms and based on an annual mileage of 100,000 kms, the tests showed that KMAX tires gave an annual saving per vehicle of 430 Euro in terms of mileage and FUELMAX as a saving of 750 Euro per vehicle per year[2] in terms of fuel consumption. The result of the test done under real conditions is clear proof point that Goodyear´s FUELMAX fuel efficient and KMAX high mileage truck tires both generate savings for the fleet helping them in reducing their Total Cost of Ownership.

The trucks were both Mercedes Benz Actros MP4 4x2 tractors with tri-axle trailers, and were fitted with Entruck telematics systems. The FUELMAX tire combination comprised 315/70R22.5 FUELMAX S steer tires, 315/70R22.5 FUELMAX D drive tires and 385/55R22.5 FUELMAX T trailer tires. The KMAX tire combination comprised 315/70R22.5 KMAX S steer tires, 315/70R22.5 KMAX D drive tires and 385/55R22.5 KMAX T trailer tires.

After the first three month period the tire and rim combinations were swapped from one truck to the other and the vehicles run for a further three months. The results were then compared.  While the routes run by both vehicles were not identical they were very similar in many respects. Fuel use recordings were metered and calculations were used to eliminate discrepancies such as fuel used at standstill or in maneuvering, and other anomalies such as driver profiles and decreasing tire diameter. The distances run over the three month periods were very similar being between 29,048 and 37,849 kilometers.


About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.

Goodyear Dunlop Europe’s range of tires for commercial vehicles, buses and coaches includes more than 400 different tires covering in excess of 55 sizes. Many of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers fit tires from Goodyear as standard, including DAF, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Trucks, Scania and Volvo Trucks. Goodyear also supplies tires to all major trailer manufacturers. With Fleet First, which includes the TruckForce service network, ServiceLine 24h roadside assistance, FleetOnlineSolutions Internet management system and Goodyear Retread Technologies, Goodyear provides one of the broadest ranges of dedicated services in the industry.

For more information on Goodyear and its products, visit http://www.truck.goodyear.eu​​


[1] Test done by Bertin with two Actros MP4 with 3-axle trailer covering approx. 30.000 kms from June 2014 to September 2015.

[2] The calculations made were based on fuel cost of €0.80 per liter.