Goodyear EMEA Newsroom

Cooper Tires accelerates growth with expanded consumer product range

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:30:00 +0200

Following the recent announcement that Cooper Tires will become Goodyear’s predominant second-tier consumer brand in EMEA, the company today shared further strategic details—reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive, competitive offering across consumer segments. The strategy builds on the consistency, proven durability and heritage that have long defined Cooper.

With significant investments in product development and building on its strong heritage dating back to 1914, Cooper will offer a wide range of Passenger, 4x4, and Light Truck products across all seasonality and consumer vehicle types.

“Cooper Tires is entering a new chapter,” said Ben Glesener, senior technology director, Product Development, Consumer EMEA. “Known for producing dependable tires that deliver on their promises, we will continue to bring a reliable, high-performing range to the market by leveraging proven technologies from across our portfolio. The enhanced range will continue to deliver on Cooper’s track record of reliability and performance.”

“With more than 500 SKUs across Passenger, 4x4, and Light Truck segments, Cooper’s offering starting in 2026 will be both broad and deep, ready to meet the evolving needs of drivers,” added Glesener.

The brand’s renowned 4x4 specialization remains a cornerstone of its identity. The Discoverer AT3 Sport 2 will continue as one of the 4x4 hero products, supported by a lineup of 33 SKUs.

By January 2026, Cooper’s consumer Summer range will be fully available in EMEA, followed by the All-Season range throughout Q1 and a full Winter range by mid-2026.

“In 2026, Cooper Tires will stand out in the tier-2 consumer space with a product portfolio that consistently delivers quality and durability—building on the renowned Cooper heritage consumers can depend on,” said Glesener.

Goodyear Vector 4seasons Gen-3 achieves top rating in latest ADAC test

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:09:00 +0200

Goodyear tyre recognised for outstanding mileage and excellent driving performance

Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 tyre has achieved a coveted “Good” rating and shared 1^st place in the latest all-season tyres test by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) [1], the largest automative association in Europe.

Previously, in 2024, Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 was the first all-season tyre ever to receive the “Good” ADAC rating. [2]

The new test results highlight the tyre's well-balanced performance, reinforcing the value of innovative Goodyear technologies and outlining why the tyre is a top choice for consumers and business fleets.

Highest Mileage and Environmental Balance

The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 stood out as the best tyre for mileage in the ADAC test. It lasted an estimated 68,000 km before tread wear. It also impressed with its outstanding environmental balance and was praised for its “very low abrasion, low weight and low fuel consumption”. [3]

The tyre’s longevity and efficiency help ensure direct savings and lower cost of ownership, making the tyre a smart investment for private drivers and fleet operators.

Excellent Performance in All Conditions

The test result underlines the well-balanced performance of the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, which is a direct result of Goodyear’s innovative tyre technologies. These include:

Aqua Control Technology: Deep and wide grooves enhance water dispersion and offer outstanding handling on wet roads.
Dry Handling Technology: Reinforced crown and shoulder blocks reduce tyre deformation during heavy manoeuvres and deliver convincing dry braking.
Snow Grip Technology: Numerous sipes at the tyre’s centre provide outstanding grip and handling in wintry conditions.

A Smart Choice for Every Driver

“The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3’s well-balanced performance and leading mileage delivers exceptional value for consumers and fleets,” said Ben Glesener, Senior Director, Technology Consumer, EMEA, Goodyear. “This recognition from ADAC underscores our commitment to provide cost-effective tyres with high performance for all-season driving.”

For more information about the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, please visit the Goodyear Newsroom.

[1]^,[3]ADAC all-season tires test, comparing 15 all-season tires in the size 225/45 R17, June 2025.

[2] ADAC-all-season tires test, comparing 16 all-season tires in the size 205/55R16, June 2024.

Five myth-busting facts to know before buying all-season tires

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0200

Consumers are surrounded by numerous myths about all-season tires
Dunlop offers drivers a ‘five things to know’ guide to avoid being misled by common misconceptions
Dunlop All Season 2 is a myth-busting example of innovative technologies inside all-season tires

When it comes to purchasing a set of brand-new tires, many more drivers now opt for a set of all-season tires, which are excellent all-rounders that suit a wide range of drivers and cars. Still, there are misconceptions about these tires that aren’t true, particularly after so many years of research has accelerated their development and performance.

Dunlop’s next-generation All Season 2 tire is a good example of the improvements in the latest all-season tires. With its latest tire, which is the result of 18 months of research and development, Dunlop brings to the market an advanced product that helps drivers handle all-year weather conditions. This ensures that drivers on the road feel prepared without the extra inconvenience of having to change tires with the seasons.

The tire industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the demand for all-season tires in recent years: from 2019 to 2023, the all-season tire segment experienced a growth rate of 66% in Europe¹. Despite this, certain myths about all-season tires remain popular. Here are five facts you should know before buying all-season tires:

1. Myth: All-season tires wear out quickly
Fact: The latest tire technologies provide strong mileage

One major consideration when buying tires is how long they are going to last. Thanks to the latest developments in all-season tire technology, they now provide high mileage alongside all-season performance. Dunlop All Season 2, the newest addition to the Dunlop portfolio, is a good example. This specific model features an optimized design that helps increase mileage by evenly distributing weight across the tire’s contact patch, delivering a more uniform pressure distribution for long-lasting treadwear.

Dunlop All Season 2 has recently achieved a successful magazine test debut being awarded “Eco-Master” and “best” in mileage to rank overall “good” in the latest Auto Bild all-season tire test². Editors praised the tire for “balanced good performance level without serious weaknesses” and “best mileage in the test”.

2. Myth: All-season tires can’t handle winter conditions
Fact: All-season tires are certified for use on snow

All-season tires are marked with the same industry-standard 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) label as winter tires. This means they meet all the necessary requirements to be driven on snow. To qualify for this certification, winter and all-season tires like Dunlop All Season 2 are tested in line with industry regulations.

To achieve this, Dunlop has developed 3D blades across the tire’s tread which is a key design feature resulting in increased stiffness as well as biting edges for better snow traction, thus providing effective braking in all weather conditions. Dunlop All Season 2 also features an optimized carcass shape using robust structural materials to increase stability. This feature enhances handling on wet as well as on dry roads.

Dunlop recommends all-season tires for milder winter conditions; winter tires are best for severe snow and ice. This recommendation aligns with findings from a recent Ipsos study conducted on behalf of Goodyear³, which revealed that almost two-thirds of European drivers perceive winter tires as better for grip and braking on snowy and icy roads.

3. Myth: Grip in summer suffers with all-season tires
Fact: All-season tires achieve excellent handling in summer

In contrast to the previous myth, some drivers actually have the misconception that all-season tires only perform well in winter. With the latest technologies, modern all-season tires represent a huge step forward, delivering great dry performance as well as winter grip. This means drivers won’t be left wanting more on long summer road trips. They can feel confident and prepared, knowing that their tires are developed for use in all weather conditions.

4. Myth: Only small city cars can be fitted with all-season tires
Fact: All-season tires fit most vehicles

Many drivers still consider all-season tires to be best on small compact vehicles, which isn’t the case. Dunlop All Season 2 is available in sizes ranging between 14 and 19 inches and is ready to support larger vehicles as each tire size is developed with a carcass tuned to the specific application it will encounter.

5. Myth: All-season tires are “just a compromise”
Fact: The latest-generation all-season tires offer well-balanced performance all year long

As the technology enabling all-season tires has matured over years, more and more drivers across Europe are using them³, recognising them as an attractive alternative to changing between summer and winter tires. Dunlop recommends all-season tires especially for consumers who are mainly city drivers living in non-mountainous or less severe winter areas. Modern all-season tires are designed to provide balanced and effective performance in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for year-round. Drivers don’t have to switch between summer and winter sets, which alleviates some of the stress of car ownership allowing them to feel more prepared for a range of a weather conditions.

“We’ve worked hard to develop the next generation of Dunlop all-season tires, which are an excellent option that answers drivers’ demands across Europe,” says Sonia Leneveu, Director Marketing Consumer EMEA, Goodyear. “Our customers appreciate the benefits of all-season tires, which ultimately make car ownership an easier experience. The tried and tested products by Dunlop benefit from more than a century of experience, which continues with the new All Season 2 range.

“Dunlop understands many drivers’ desires to make car ownership as easy as possible. With an all-season tire, drivers can avoid replacing tires twice a year, saving on cost of purchasing tires and storage, which empowers them to feel prepared all year long.”

(1) Source: ETRMA (Europool) and ANURA (Imports).
(2) Source: Auto Bild issue 39, 26 Sept 2024, Auto Bild all-season tire test in size 225/50R17.
(3) Survey data collected in February 2024 by Ipsos on behalf of Goodyear. Sampling 4,550 drivers (650 per country). Countries surveyed: Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Romania.

Why all-season tires? European drivers share their opinions in new survey

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0200

Ipsos survey shows drivers’ positive view on all-season tires in milder winter
The all-season tire segment has been constantly maturing in terms of technology
18 months of R&D lead to Dunlop's next-generation all-season tire

European drivers have positive views on many aspects of all-season tire usage in milder winter conditions, according to an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of the Goodyear group which recently launched its next-generation Dunlop All Season 2 tire. The study, conducted in seven European countries¹, showed that all-season and winter tires are perceived by a meaningful group of drivers as delivering equally well on “safety while driving”, “comfort while driving” and “mileage”.

Key drivers to all-season tire popularity

All-season tires offer a good balance between summer and winter tires, with technology that enables them to perform well all year round, in a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures.

The study showed that winter tires are perceived as better for grip and braking on snowy and icy roads, with almost two-thirds of respondents declaring such a view. This comes in line with Dunlop’s recommendation for drivers to use winter tires in severe winter conditions.

Asked about opinion on other aspects - such as performance on wet and dry roads, mileage, safety and comfort while driving – a meaningful group of drivers shared positive views on all-season tires:

When it comes to grip and braking on wet roads, the study shows that one third (34%) of surveyed drivers perceive all-season tires as good as winter tires.
When referring to grip and braking on dry roads, more than two thirds (68%) said that all-season tires were equally good or better than winter tires.
More than one third (36%) of drivers believe that “safety while driving” and “comfort while driving” on all-season tires are equally good as for winter tires. For mileage, 31% of respondents assess it as “equally good”.

A growing and maturing segment

The all-season tire segment is projected to grow by an estimated 6.7% each year between 2024 and 2029.

This type of tire is an attractive option for drivers who want to skip seasonal tire swaps and save time and money by avoiding the cost of replacement and storage. The study found that most European drivers have neutral or slightly positive experiences when changing tires, but a significant proportion (1 out of 4) have negative experiences which might nudge them towards all-season tires.

The all-season segment growth also correlates to the overall technological improvements being made in the sector. Dunlop All Season 2 is the result of more than 12,500 hours of research and development during an 18-month evolution process and is packed with innovative technologies that provide competitive performance and mileage. Dunlop All Season 2 has recently achieved a successful magazine test debut being awarded “Eco-Master” and “best” in mileage, ranking “good” overall in the latest Auto Bild all-season tire test³. Editors praised the tire for its “balanced good performance level without serious weaknesses” and “best mileage in the test”.

Dunlop’s new tire was made to answer the needs of drivers who want to be well prepared before getting behind the wheel. Launched this year, All Season 2 was engineered to provide effective braking in all weather conditions, good handling on wet and dry roads and high mileage. It also provides good value for money, being defined as one of the key priorities by 51% of drivers as concluded in another consumer study⁴. The tire fits a wide range of modern vehicles, such as popular city cars and SUVs.

Sonia Leneveu, Director Marketing Consumer EMEA, Goodyear said: “The new Dunlop All Season 2 tire is dedicated to consumers who seek peace of mind through tried and tested tires, offering confidence to enjoy the drive. Dunlop understands this need and has developed its next-generation all-season tire as the answer.

“With the new Dunlop All Season 2 tire, we complete our offering for consumers in many parts of Europe who seek greater convenience in regions with milder winters. Supported by Dunlop’s 130-year history, this tire provides a reliable and convenient alternative to seasonal tire changes.”

The technology behind the tire

There are three main elements that underline the advanced technology in Dunlop All Season 2:

3D Blading is a key design feature that enables an increased stiffness across both wet and dry braking and provides numerous biting edges for better traction on snow.
Optimized carcass shape using robust structural materials to increase stability – this feature enhances handling on wet as well as on dry roads.
Optimized footprint: Tire contact patch is optimized to deliver a more uniform pressure distribution and long-lasting treadwear.

The supply of Dunlop All Season 2 began in February, and the new tire will be gradually available throughout 2024 in 59 SKUs, ranging from 14 to 19 inches.

(1) Survey data collected in February 2024 by Ipsos on behalf of Goodyear. Sampling 4,550 drivers (650 per country). Countries surveyed: Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Romania.
(2) Goodyear internal evaluation based on econometric model across 24 countries in Europe: Austria, Baltics, Benelux, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.
(3) Source: Auto Bild issue 39, 26 Sept 2024, Auto Bild all-season tire test in size 225/50R17.
(4) Ipsos Category Drivers and segmentation study, 2022, commissioned by Goodyear. The study involved 7,200 car owners who had recently made tire purchases in six pivotal markets, collectively.

Why opt for premium tyres this summer?

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 +0200

With a large variety of tyre choices available on the market, it's crucial for drivers to recognize the significant performance disparities among them. According to a recent test by AutoBild testing 50 summer tyres, the choice of tyres can dramatically affect braking distances, with disparities of up to 15 metres on wet roads at 50 mph and seven metres on dry surfaces at 62 mph. While the upfront cost of investing in high-quality summer tyres may appear significant, the long-term benefits encompass not only improved performance and comfort but also substantial savings.

Drive twice the miles

The German automotive publication Auto Bild compared the mileage of 20 summer tyres, ranking the premium Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 first with over 39,200 miles. This may provide more than double the miles of distance you can drive with the tyre ranked last in the test.

Auto Bild also compared the price/1,000 km (price/1,000 miles) mileage of such 20 summer tyres, with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 being the cheapest tyre for € 8.70/1,000 km (converts into £12.05 /1,000 miles). That is around 50% less than the price/1,000km (price/1,000 miles) of the last ranked tyres € 16.14 / 1,000 km (converts into £22.34 / 1,000 miles).²

According to these test results this translates to a potential saving of around 50% for every 1,000 km (1,000 miles) travelled.

Ready for electric vehicles

Modern high-quality summer tyres are also optimized for the special needs of electric vehicles. In fact, all Goodyear tyres are designed to be suitable for use with both electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional combustion engine vehicles.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 summer tyre incorporates innovative features to manage the increased weight and higher torque typical of EVs, while an innovative noise-cancelling tread pattern reduces cabin noise.

Superb comfort

Goodyear’s SoundComfort Technology can half interior car noise (up to 4 dB), making the tyre a excellent fit for EVs as tyre and road noises are the dominant interior sounds in most EVs.

In addition, drivers benefit from outstanding comfort provided by cutting-edge features like the Goodyear’s SealTech technology which seals tread penetrations up to 5 mm in diameter. Selected sizes of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 are available with this additional attribute.

Award-winning performance boosts driving experience

The Goodyear summer tyre Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 has achieved numerous awards. In 2023, Auto Bild awarded the tyre ‘Eco-Master’, and Goodyear ‘Top Manufacturer of Summer tyres’ for the second consecutive year.¹

Additionally, Auto Bild allrad recently crowned the tyre test winner.

The tyre features cutting-edge advancements such as the Dry Contact Plus Technology helping the tyre adapt to the style of driving and vehicle demands and improving performance on dry roads.⁴ In wet weather conditions, the Wet braking Pro Technology, building on Goodyear’s racing experience, allows the tyre to have enhanced micro-contact with the road surface, giving drivers improved handling and braking.⁴

Sonia Leneveu, Director Marketing Consumer Europe: “Goodyear builds on more than 125 years shaping the future of mobility and developing market leading tyres. This summer, we are proud to offer an even larger range of our awarded Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 which offers an outstanding driving experience as well as excellent efficiency and economic benefits for drivers, no matter the car they drive.”

Tyre maintenance tips

Only with the right maintenance drivers get the most out of their premium tyres and can even save money in the long run.

Inspect tyres regularly for damage and ensure they meet the minimum legal tread depth required. Worn tyres particularly suffer in wet conditions as the tread designed to evacuate water is worn away.
Pressure checks should be conducted once a month. Underinflated tyres will not only cause your vehicle to use more fuel, but also increase wear and, in extreme cases, cause tyre failure. Always follow manufacturer guidance on tyre pressure. This information can be found in the car’s handbook. Never use tyres below the recommended load index.
Avoid contact with kerbs and potholes where possible. Furthermore, finding the most efficient route and smooth driving will increase tyre life and boost fuel economy.

^{AutoBild summer tyre test 2023, comparing 50 summer tyres on braking on wet surface at 80 km/h, braking on dry surface at 100 km/h, tyre size 225/45R18, test car BMW 3 series. Converted to mph for this release.}
^{AutoBild summer tyre test 2023, comparing 20 summer tyres on price/1,000 km. Converted to £/1,000 mi for this release.}
^{AutoBild summer tyre test 2023, comparing 20 summer tyres on mileage.}
^{Compared to predecessor Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5.}
^{Auto Bild issue 11/2024, summer tyre test 2024, comparing 11 summer tyres in the size 235/55R19.}

CUPRA equips Formentor VZ5 with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:39:56 +0200

Goodyear Tyres takes the lead as technical tyre partner while BTCC introduces hybrid power
Deal will see the company enter third consecutive decade holding the title sponsorship rights
24 years of continuous investment in tyre development for BTCC field

UK, Birmingham, 21^st January, 2021 – Goodyear Tyres and TOCA, Series Organiser of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), have today announced that Goodyear will continue its long-standing partnership with the BTCC for another five years, through to the end of 2026 and through the introduction of hybrid power to the championship.

This five-year partnership brings with it a number of accolades for the tyre company including owning the bragging rights to entering a third decade of continuous partnership in 2025 and investing nearly a quarter of a century (24 years) into non-stop tyre development through the company’s portfolio of brands.

Throughout the decades, Goodyear has been at the forefront of tyre development for this cutting-edge series. The company has significantly influenced the performance of the cars as well as introducing RFID tagging, the soft, medium and hard compound options and a new tyre construction – helping to deliver one of the world’s most popular motorsport championships to an audience of tens of millions each year. As the championship goes to the next level with hybrid power, Goodyear will be implementing new tyre technologies accordingly.

Ben Crawley, Director Motorsport Goodyear Europe said: “We are thrilled to have signed yet another extension to our partnership with the BTCC, continuing as tyre supplier and retaining the naming rights to the championship. We were really drawn to the contract extension as we wanted to be part of the next exciting chapter of the championship. With the introduction of hybrid power, new demands will be put onto the tyres and we are able to bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to the programme thanks to our experience working with leading OEMs where we are shod on some of their hybrid and electric vehicles.

“The fact that this contract also brings us fantastic milestones, such as entering a third decade of partnership, makes us feel really proud as we reflect on all of the fantastic things we have done as a company to promote and develop the championship, not only for the teams and drivers, but also the fans. We look forward to entering this new chapter with the UK’s leading racing championship.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “The BTCC having a strong technical tyre partner is a key component of our success. As well, being the first major touring car championship to confirm its pathway for introducing hybrid technology, Goodyear is a hugely significant part of it.

“This is a very exciting period for the championship, and I’m pleased that we will continue our partnership with Goodyear through to the end of 2026. Goodyear has been an incredibly proactive and engaged partner of the BTCC for so many years and their ongoing commitment will help the championship continue to thrive into the future.”

Goodyear develops a unique Eagle F1 SuperSport for the new Lotus Emira

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 16:29:35 +0200

Lotus has launched the Emira, the latest in a long line of stunning mid-engined cars from the famous UK sports car manufacturer. Lotus has selected the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport as the original equipment tyre for the new model.

The Emira has been developed to offer the trademark precision and unfiltered driver feedback that Lotus drivers demand. It is built on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA. Lotus chose to work with Goodyear to develop a tyre that matched very specific requirements to support the company’s legendary focus on ride, handling and agility.

The Eagle F1 SuperSport is Goodyear’s latest UUHP (ultra-ultra high performance) tyre. It has a unique construction featuring a Powerline cover that enables it to retain its shape and maximise its footprint. This gives the high-speed stability that’s essential for this type of sports car. This, coupled with an innovative U-shaped compound combination known as DualPlus Technology, provides defined tread zones for outstanding wet and dry performance.

The Eagle F1 SuperSport has been specifically developed for the Emira in 245/35ZR20 front and 295/30ZR20 rear with tuning to optimise the ride, handling and steering feel of the vehicle. This research and development work on the Emira project means the tyre construction is unique to the Lotus Emira, and has LTS branding on the sidewall as proof.

Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes, Lotus, commented: “Tyres are a hugely important part of the vehicle dynamics equation where ride, handling, grip, agility and stability must all work in harmony with each other. For Lotus, where world-class vehicle dynamics and benchmark ride and handling are key to our brand DNA, tyre choice is vital.”

He added: “As with all Lotus cars, we carried out extensive testing and development to ensure all the areas that contribute to the vehicle dynamics, including the tyres, suspension and kinematics, deliver to our extremely high targets. Working with Goodyear on this specially developed tyre has ensured that these targets have been met.”

Hans Vrijsen, Managing Director, Original Equipment, Goodyear, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Lotus again after they selected the Eagle F1 SuperSport for the Emira. Lotus is regarded for setting the highest standards in vehicle dynamics and they have found the Goodyear tyre to be the perfect match.”

This joint development between Lotus and Goodyear rekindles a long and successful partnership. Goodyear was the original equipment fitment on many of the most iconic Lotus cars from the 1970s to 1990s. The Elan, Elite, Eclat and Excel sports cars were all gripped by Goodyear, as was the Lotus Esprit Turbo which became an icon in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only starring Roger Moore.

This road tyre development went hand-in-hand with Lotus’ racing success, with Goodyear and Lotus sharing the top step of a Formula 1 Grand Prix podium 32 times in a 14-year span from 1973 to 1987. The Lotus and Goodyear F1 hall of fame features legends such as Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, Mario Andretti, Elio De Angelis Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna.

The Emira is offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a supercharged 3.5-litre V6, with power outputs between 360 and 400 hp. The Emira is the last internal combustion engined Lotus before the British manufacturer embarks on its all-electric future.

Goodyear impresses in annual Auto Express Product Awards

Mon, 17 May 2021 16:40:00 +0200

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 wins ‘Best Tyre’ at the Auto Express Product Awards 2021
Auto Express Product Awards 2021 sees Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 on the podium for ‘Best All Season Tyre’

BIRMINGHAM, UK, May 17th, 2020 – Goodyear Tyres has performed exceptionally well in the recent Auto Express Product Awards published earlier this month.

Goodyear took first place in the summer tyre test and came commended in the all season tyre test leading to two Product Award wins for 2021.

Auto Express Best Tyre Product Award 2021 – Winner

Goodyear’s EfficientGrip Performance 2 took the win in the 2021 Product Awards which is its second Auto Express win since its launch in 2020. Kim Adams, who conducted the test for Auto Express, reported that the tyre rated highly on its “balance between wet handling, dry grip and impressive fuel economy”. The tyre also performed well against competitors for Rolling Resistance and Noise tests – coming first in both.

Auto Express Best All Season Tyre Product Award 2021 – Commended

Auto Express commended the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 for best All Season Tyre in the 2021 Summer Tyre Product Awards. This comes in as the second Auto Express badge for Goodyear’s latest All-Season pattern in the popular Vector range. Kim Adams commended the tyre saying it “excelled at being a good all-rounder especially in snow and wet conditions, it also retained the snow ability of the predecessor whilst improving on fuel economy tests”.

Andy Marfleet, Goodyear’s Marketing Director UK&I commented: “We are thrilled to be given these accolades from Auto Express. The power of recommendation within the marketplace is very valuable, particularly when it comes from trusted magazines such as Auto Express in the UK. Taking these badges of honour is really important to us.”

Goodyear equips the fully electric Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0200

Audi is once again turning to Goodyear to equip one of its flagship electric vehicles. Audi e-tron SUVs have been fitted with Goodyear tyres as original equipment since 2019. Now, Audi’s new generation gran turismo, the Audi e-tron GT, will be equipped with 21-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tyres.

“The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 was launched in 2019 and features Goodyear’s latest technologies,” said Hans Vrijsen, Managing Director of Consumer Original Equipment EMEA at Goodyear, “it is ideally suited to the demands of a performance-driven and sustainable vehicle such as the Audi e-tron GT.”

The Audi e-tron GT is an electric vehicle and combines sportiness, convenience, and sustainability. With an electric motor each at the front and rear axle, the sportiest version RS e-tron GT with 475 kW (646 PS) propels from 0 – 100km/h in 3,3 seconds. Coupled with electric all-wheel drive quattro it delivers all available torque instantaneously to the four wheels.

“The Audi e-tron GT’s instant power and performance call for a tire like the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 to offer drivers the most of their driving experience,” Vrijsen continued.

Conceived as the ultimate all-round summer tyre, Goodyear has utilized innovative technologies to unlock significant improvements in wet braking and dry handling in the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 without compromising ride comfort or road noise.

Goodyear’s efforts to optimize performance focused on reducing flex in the tread pattern as lateral forces are transmitted. The resultant crisp, precise turn-in, higher grip levels and efficient, clean acceleration facilitate an improvement in dry handling. Feedback through the steering is also enhanced, providing a more communicative and confidence-inspiring driving experience.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 will be mounted on both versions of the Audi e-tron GT in sizes 265/35 R21 for the front axle and 305/30 R21 at the rear.

“Goodyear is proud to be furthering our relationship with Audi, one of the leading manufacturers in the field of electromobility, while taking another step to lead the tyre development that meets the manifold requirements of electric vehicles,” Vrijsen concluded.

Six ways your tyres could save you money

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:04:00 +0100

Everyone likes to save a few pennies here and there, especially where our cars are concerned. Browsing the best finance deals, going out of our way for that one garage with the best fuel prices… we all have our own little tips and tricks when it comes to saving a few quid.

But I suspect you’ve never thought about how your tyres might save you some cash. There are steps you can take to ensure that they last as long as possible, so that you aren’t regularly shouldering the expense of replacing of them. But tyres also have a huge impact on your fuel consumption. As the only contact between your car and the road, if you fit the right tyres, and make sure to take good care of them, they’ll be sure to save you pennies at the pumps.

We’ve listed below a few different methods that you might want to consider. Whether your goal is to avoid having to replace tyres in your MOT, be kind to the environment, or simply making them last a little longer, there are ways to do it.

Check your tyre pressures

No matter what kind of tyres you have, you need to keep them properly inflated to get the best possible fuel consumption. Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption anywhere between 0.6% and 3%*. The more underinflated your tyres are, the more fuel you'll use. But it’s also important to be aware that under-inflation can cause damage, meaning you may need to fork out sooner than you’d like on replacing them.

Many vehicles are now fitted with electronic tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to help keep an eye on this. That said, pressures should still be checked manually with a pressure gauge. To find the right pressure for your vehicle's tyres, take a look either in your handbook or at the sticker on the inside of the driver-side door. But remember, don't go by the maximum pressure reading on the side of your tyre. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Inspect your tyre treads

Just like your pressures, you should check your tyre treads regularly. Look at the bars in-between the treads themselves, as well as the centre or outside edges, for obvious signs of wear and any embedded objects. Keeping them clear and making sure that there isn’t any irregular wear can go a long towards ensuring your tyres perform for as long as possible.

On the subject of wear, rotating your tyres could be another way to ensure they last longer. Tyres fitted at the front of a vehicle usually wear differently than those on the rear, but by changing their position – from front to rear and vice versa – their lifespan can be extended. Rotation periods vary, but if you frequently drive at high speeds or undertake long or fully laden journeys, more regular rotations are recommended.

Shop around

If you're looking for new tyres, and are browsing specifically with fuel consumption in mind, there are a few things you need to look out for. The first is rolling resistance; this is essentially the effort needed to keep a tyre rolling. A high rolling resistance tyre means your engine will need to work harder to keep your wheels moving. If you’re looking to save fuel, it's important to look – or perhaps even ask at your local garage – for tyres with low rolling resistance, which is identified by a rating on the EU Tyre Label, similar to those found on white goods. These tyres are manufactured with advanced rubber compound formulations and innovative tread patterns to achieve the desired effect.

The next thing to look out for is the weight of a tyre, as a lighter tyre is ultimately going to reduce the overall weight of your car. While this difference might seem insignificant, your car's engine isn't going to be working quite as hard without that extra weight. Over tens of thousands of miles, this can make a huge difference to your fuel economy, CO2 emissions and inevitably the environment too.

Rolling resistance and weight are two prime concerns for tyre manufacturers. At Goodyear, for instance, we’re working to reduce rolling resistance by 40% and tyre weight by 9% by 2025 — from a 2005 baseline — across our entire consumer portfolio.

Look for tyres that’ll take you further

You have a bit of research under your belt, so you’ll start to see that there are plenty of tyres out there employing the latest technology and manufacturing techniques to take you further.

For instance, tyres built for efficiency and comfort (often called touring tyres) are a great choice for long journeys. Not only could you see a reduction in fuel consumption, but they’ll also filter the effect of small bumps in the road's surface, making for a smoother ride. Performance tyres, on the other hand, feature tread patterns and rubber compounds made for grip. This means improved responsiveness and handling on the road (or the track!), but the trade-off is often increased fuel consumption.

There are some tyres that offer the best of both worlds, though. Take our very own EfficientGrip Performance 2. Designed with fuel efficiency in mind, these tyres also offer great handling and braking performance in dry or wet conditions, just in case you come up against tricky conditions, or even want to simply enjoy an exciting ride.

Switch tyres for the seasons

Fitting appropriate tyres for the time of year can also help them to stay in good condition for longer. Winter tyres for, example, will provide much better grip and traction than summer tyres when the temperature drops below 7°c. However, they will also wear out faster if they are used on hot surfaces, so swap to summer tyres again when temperatures rise.

At face-value, specialist tyres like these can be quite an investment, but if you’re vigilant and make sure to swap them over as the seasons change, you’ll see the benefit. Alternatively, all-season tyres, which provide great performance and any weather, could be well-worth considering.

Improve your driving habits

Good driving habits can go a long way towards reducing the need to frequently purchase new tyres. A smooth and gentle driving style, taking care to avoid road surface imperfections, will increase the life of your tyres and ensure they give their best performance. Hard acceleration and braking, or aggressive driving over speed bumps and potholes, will ultimately damage your tyres.

If you’re keen to reduce your fuel consumption and in turn reduce your fuel costs, you need to drive economically. This means going easy on your inputs; brake smoothly and accelerate gently, where possible. But you should also pay attention to your tyres.

For more information on how to look after our tyres, visit: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/learn/maintaining-your-tire.html

Six ways your tyres could save you money

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:42:00 +0100

Check your tyre pressures

Inspect your tyre treads

Shop around

Look for tyres that’ll take you further

You have a bit of research under your belt, so you’ll start to see that there are plenty of tyres out there employing the latest technology and manufacturing techniques to take you further.

Switch tyres for the seasons

Improve your driving habits

For more information on how to look after our tyres, visit: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/learn/maintaining-your-tire.html

Preparing your car for the end of lockdown

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:05:00 +0100

After just over two months of lockdown, we’re all keen to get back on the road, and as restrictions begin to lift across the country, many of us will be gearing up to do just that. But as most drivers have cut down on travel since January, a great many vehicles have spent that time largely – or in some cases completely – unused.

Even when it isn’t being regularly driven, a car still requires maintenance, and it’s ultimately the driver’s responsibility to ensure that it’s roadworthy. So, as we ready ourselves to get back behind the wheel, here are a few simple checks that you can carry out to ensure that your car is ready for the road.

Check your tyres

It’s vital that you make sure your tyres are still in good condition. If you haven’t been using your vehicle, it’s likely that the tyre pressures won’t have been checked since before lockdown, so addressing this should be a top priority. Even when a car isn’t being driven, its tyres can still lose pressure, meaning they may be underinflated when you get back onto the road. Check your optimum pressure in the owner’s handbook, filler cap or on the door sill, and use a pressure gauge to ensure your tyres are properly inflated.

It’s also important to check your tyres’ tread, to ensure their depth is no less than 1.6mm. While they’re unlikely to have worn down during this last stint of lockdown, it’s good practice to check your tread depths regularly. If you haven’t yet had much opportunity to use your car this year, the end of lockdown presents a good opportunity to carry out a quick inspection. Look at the bars in-between the treads themselves, as well as the centre or outside edges, for obvious signs of wear and even for any embedded objects.

Check for debris

When a vehicle isn’t used for an extended period, it can easily begin to gather twigs and leaves, which have the potential to catch fire in a hot engine. So, to stop your car from overheating, make sure to inspect the grille and underneath the bonnet for any debris before setting off.

Check the fluid levels

Even under ordinary circumstances, fluid levels should be checked regularly. But if your car has gone completely unused for several weeks, it’s essential that you get under the bonnet and check if the oil, brake fluid and engine coolant need topping up. Engine oil in particular can drip to the bottom of the drain pan when a car hasn’t been driven in a while, meaning the cylinders might be dry. In cases such as these, it may even be wise to have a garage carry out a complete oil and filter change.

Check your lights

You might be so caught up with checking your oil and fluid levels that it can be easy to overlook your lights. Before setting off, take a moment to check that all of your lights are still in working order. So not just your headlights, but also your braking, reverse and indicator signals too. The last thing you want is to wait until you’re driving on a dark road to discover you’re missing a light.

Don’t set straight off

Finally, if your car hasn’t been used at all since January, don’t go tearing off your drive the moment you’ve fired it up. Once you’ve turned the ignition, don’t even rev it. The engine will need a little time to warm up, so just let it idle for a few moments before you set off.

For more information on how to make sure your tyres in particular are ready to return to the road, visit the Goodyear or TyreSafe websites.

Preparing your car for the end of lockdown

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0100

Check your tyres

Check for debris

Check the fluid levels

Check your lights

Don’t set straight off

For more information on how to make sure your tyres in particular are ready to return to the road, visit the Goodyear or TyreSafe websites.

Putting a Legend Back on the Road

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:57:00 +0100

The accomplishment that the legendary Brabham dynasty has had within the motorsport world is unrivalled. Patriarch Sir Jack remains the only driver to this day to win a Formula 1 World Championship in a car of his own construction, cementing the triple world champion's status among the greats with a unique achievement.

Success has continued through three generations of the family, as prestigious titles came in sportscars for Jack's sons – including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans for youngest son David, who is now at the forefront of a revival for the iconic marque with one of its historic partners.

The Brabham organization began in 1962 and a partnership with Goodyear followed three years later. Sir Jack’s iconic BT19 became the machine to beat in 1966, his third and final championship year. The cornerstone of the 1966 championship was Sir Jack’s four successive mid-season wins – including on the undulating Brands Hatch circuit and the daunting Nürburgring Nordschleife. Brabham also secured a unique double by also clinching the constructors' crown at Watkins Glen – Goodyear's home race.

This combination would win championships and races together through into the 1980s and Goodyear would contribute to over 50 world drivers’ or constructors’ championships and hundreds of race victories until 1997.

In 2019, Brabham Automotive and Goodyear reunited as the iconic pairing returned to the racetrack. The Brabham BT62 track day car carries on the tradition of the family's racing pedigree. The 700 horsepower, lightweight, 6-speed drive, aerodynamically advanced racer is designed with the same ideologies in mind that applies to any top race car.

The car is already a winner too. David took the chequered flag on the car's competitive debut later that year with co-driver Will Powell in the Britcar “Race into the Night” for sportscars, touring cars and production cars at a typically soaked Brands Hatch.

“When we launched the BT62, we launched it as the ultimate track car," David said. “If you look at the incredible history that Brabham has had in Formula 1, I kind of felt like it was my duty to bring the name back to life. And then all of a sudden, we thought 'right, we need to go racing'.

“We approached Goodyear, we did a test, and we tried their F1 SuperSport tyres, and it was just the perfect match. The balance between the car and the tyre and the driver was exactly what we needed, and we won."

Such is the range of Goodyear's tyres that it was the natural choice for the road-going version of the BT62 – the BT62R. This car is designed to be the pinnacle of its kind – striking the balance between peak performance on a track and comfort on the everyday roads, while also retaining many of the characteristics shared with the racing variant despite being road legal.

It is a unique demand for the differences in surfaces and characteristics between a racetrack and the city streets or a motorway and a tire must be ready for each of these scenarios.

This is where Goodyear's Eagle F1 SuperSport RS comes into play as the ideal solution for such a conundrum. These tyres are designed to deliver the performance desired for the track enthusiast while it can negotiate the everyday surfaces that dedicated racing tires are not suited to – making it the perfect companion for the BT62R.

“Racing is a part of both Goodyear and Brabham’s DNA, it’s a perfect platform for the two brands to work together,” said Ben Crawley, Director of Motorsports for Goodyear Europe. “When Goodyear develops tyres for a race car, they are bespoke, competition spec. When we translate that across to a road-going track car like the BT62R, our Eagle F1 SuperSport RS tires draw on that racing expertise.”

More than 50 years on from Sir Jack's famous title success with Goodyear, it is no secret that David's desire is for the marque to head to Le Mans and once more target some historic wins. With Goodyear already having a strong involvement in the legendary endurance race as the sole supplier of the ultra-competitive LMP2 class, major motorsport success for Brabham and Goodyear together once again is more than just a dream.

Concluding, David said: “the relationship between Goodyear and my father and the Brabham racing history was very much part of the ingredients of making this car the BT62R. To get the name back out there and where it is today with what we're doing means a lot to me and my family.

“It's a shame that my father wasn’t around to see this come to life but I’m sure he’d be pretty happy. The partnership between Goodyear and Brabham Automotive for our car on the track on the road is extremely important.”

Goodyear named as British Touring Car Championship partner until 2026

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:17:35 +0100

Goodyear Tyres takes the lead as technical tyre partner while BTCC introduces hybrid power
Deal will see the company enter third consecutive decade holding the title sponsorship rights
24 years of continuous investment in tyre development for BTCC field

Goodyear Unveils the EfficientGrip Cargo 2 – A durable solution for light commercial vehicles

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:05:43 +0100

Goodyear is expanding its light truck vehicle product portfolio with the launch of the successor to the EfficientGrip Cargo. The EfficientGrip Cargo 2 offers greater tread durability as well as improved wet performance.

“The EfficientGrip Cargo 2 is a new summer tire that responds to the needs of consumers in the rapidly growing light commercial vehicle segment,” said Piotr Nagalski, Director of Marketing for Goodyear Europe.

Thanks to a new compound, the tyre’s tread is more resistant to high temperatures and harsh road conditions, resulting in a 38%[1] overall increase in tread durability versus its predecessor. A new traction resin also helps the compound to deform during wet braking manoeuvres, resulting in higher braking efficiency, shortening wet braking distance by 8%[2] compared to the EfficientGrip Cargo.

“Consumers are increasingly turning to e-commerce solutions and businesses are moving to adapt their supply chains and build last mile delivery capabilities,” Nagalski continued, “with fitments on 8 of the 10 top-selling light trucks on the European market, Goodyear is well positioned to respond to this evolution. The launch of this new summer product is an important addition to our comprehensive LCV offering.”

Goodyear’s light truck vehicle product portfolio also includes the UltraGrip Cargo winter tyre and the Vector 4Seasons Cargo all-season tyre.

The EfficientGrip Cargo 2 boasts a competitive line up of 23 SKUs from 14-inch to 17-inch tires that will be introduced between December 2020 and October 2021, all of which are suitable for electric vehicles.

[1] Internal test, compared to predecessor EfficientGrip Cargo

[2] Internal test, compared to predecessor EfficientGrip Cargo

Goodyear creates Macro Worlds

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Goodyear has launched a compact new social media campaign to demonstrate the seasonal safety and performance benefits of an all-season tyre.

The photography series features miniature figures on the surface of a Goodyear all-season tyre; with one scene per season portraying the different weather and environmental conditions drivers may face whilst out on the road. From spring showers and summer heat, to the autumn chill and even an icy winter, every condition that an all-season tyre may have to contend with. Goodyear’s pocket-size models coming to life upon the tread and in the sipes of the tyre, not only sun-bathing, cycling and skiing, but actually highlighting the features that, in their own right, give all-season products the all-weather capabilities that they need.

The release of these images follows the launch of the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, the latest addition to Goodyear’s award-winning Vector 4Seasons range, first introduced in May 2020. Featuring Goodyear’s Snow Grip, Dry Handling and Aqua Control technology, this new product offering provides drivers with the very best improved snow, dry and wet-weather performance.

Looking further afield, the all-season segment is beginning to see a great deal of consumer interest. The industry has grown 21% between 2016 and 2020 and 20% of consumer are willing to pay a higher price for the tyres. Goodyear alone has sold 25 million all-season tyres in the past ten years and earned more test wins than any other brand*, the most recent of which includes Tyre Reviews’ prestigious 2020 17” All Season Tyre Test.

Andy Marfleet, Marketing Director, Goodyear, comments: “As the original inventor of the all-season tyre, we at Goodyear are huge believers in the merit of offering a product that performs in all conditions. Whether that performance is required in wet, dry or – as winter approaches – even snowy weather, we hope that these beautiful images will provide an eye-catching demonstration of the wide range of conditions in which an all-season tyre will be at its best. Ultimately, we want to show that a single tyre really can be good all year.”

*Based on 34 tests conducted by 18 leading and independent European tire magazines from January 2015 to December 2019. The calculation is based on the number of tests Goodyear won in the all-season segment versus all competitors tested. More information is available at https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/legal-disclaimer-test-claims.html.

Colin Turkington wins inaugural Goodyear Wingfoot Award

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 13:32:00 +0100

BMW driver emerges as Goodyear Wingfoot Award winner
Rewards British Touring Car Championship qualifying pace
Goodyear completes first season as BTCC’s Official Tyre Partner

Colin Turkington won the inaugural Goodyear Wingfoot Award on Saturday, rewarding his impressive and consistent qualifying performance throughout the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season.

Goodyear established the Wingfoot Award to celebrate the driver with the best qualifying results across the season, awarding points based on each driver’s qualifying positions at every race weekend. For this weekend’s season finale at Brands Hatch, Turkington qualified 8th to secure his title as the inaugural recipient of the Wingfoot Award.

Turkington will be fighting for his fifth BTCC drivers’ championship on Sunday. The Team BMW driver currently leads the championship with 309 points, but four other drivers - Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish, Tom Ingram and Rory Butcher - are still in contention for the 2020 title.

This weekend’s nail-biting finale brings to a close a thrilling BTCC season which has been Goodyear’s first since becoming Official Tyre Supplier. Every car on the BTCC grid races with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport race tyres, and the Goodyear team works closely with teams up and down the pitlane to maximise their performance.

This dedication is particularly important for qualifying, where this season’s action has shown battles to be closer than ever. At Brands Hatch earlier in the season, Turkington and teammate Tom Oliphant crossed the line with the exact same lap time, down to the thousandth-of-a-second. In a field this competitive, Turkington’s consistency deserves to be rewarded.

Andy Marfleet, Goodyear’s Marketing Director UK & Ireland, said: “Colin is a deserving winner of our Wingfoot Award. Qualifying sessions have been just as exciting as the races this season and we’re pleased to reward this important performance and recognise Colin’s success with the Goodyear Wingfoot Award. It’s been a fascinating BTCC season and we’re all eagerly awaiting the final races of the year.”

Speaking to ITV after receiving the Goodyear Wingfoot Award trophy, Turkington said: “That’s been a great reward for our qualifying performances all year. It has been probably one of our biggest strengths, getting the car up onto the first couple of rows consistently, nearly every weekend. Of course that dictates such a big part of Sunday, so I think it’s a just reward.”

The 2020 British Touring Car Championship will crown its champion on Sunday with three races on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 Crowned All Season Tyre Test Winner by Germany’s Auto Bild and UK’s Tyre Reviews

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 10:09:45 +0200

Goodyear has more All-Season test wins than any other brand.[1]The new Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is continuing the tradition. This week it was awarded test wins by prestigious German magazine Auto Bild (issue 39-2020), as well as Tyre Reviews, the leading source of independent tire information in the world.

The All Season tire segment is expanding rapidly, having witnessed around 21 percent growth across Europe over the last five years.[2] It’s also a segment where motorists have high expectations, demanding a product that is well-balanced and can deliver performance in all road and weather conditions.[3]

Auto Bild’s editorial team named the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 winner of their current all-season tire test, highlighting the tire’s "convincing performance in all weather conditions. Dynamic handling on snow, in wet and dry conditions. Very good winter performance, high mileage". Auto Bild also awarded the tire the prestigious “EcoMaster” title in recognition of its test-leading performance in the mileage, rolling resistance and price/mileage ratio categories.

Jon Benson, owner and tester for Tyre Reviews crowned the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 test winner in the 2020 17” All Season Tyre Test, commenting that “The new Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-3 earns a win in its first test, proving to have the most rounded ability of all the all season tyres included.”[4]

“It’s great to see wins with the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 product so soon after its launch into the market. We are particularly thrilled to be recognized by prestigious publications such as Auto Bild and Tyre Reviews,” said Mike Rytokoski, Chief Marketing Officer for Goodyear Europe.

Eight times around the world

Developing All-Season tires is one of the greatest challenges for tire engineers. It requires developing a summer and winter tire simultaneously. This means that the new product must be tested under a wide range of weather and road conditions before being launched into the market.

Goodyear uses test tracks around the world all year round for this purpose. "All in all, test drivers run a real marathon as they cover about 320,000 kilometers at the wheel of the test vehicles. In such a development project, they circle the globe a total of eight times. In addition, some 36,000 engineering hours and 3,800 laboratory tests are required to achieve the desired performance level of the new tire," explains Alexandre Scharis, Technical Project Manager for Winter and All-Season, Consumer EMEA at Goodyear.

Three innovations in one tire

The result of this meticulous development process is the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3’s, an All-Season tire that combines three key technologies that provide an optimum balance of performance criteria in snowy, wet and dry conditions.

Firstly, its Snow Grip Technology ensures improved grip on snow.[5] Secondly, the tire’s Dry Handling Technology results, among other things, in five percent better dry braking compared to the previous generation of the tire.[6] Finally, thanks to Aqua Control Technology, the tire maintains its predecessor’s impressive level of aquaplaning resistance, even as the tread depth decreases

“Goodyear made significant investments to make the best even better with the latest generation of our award-winning Vector 4Seasons tire range,” Rytokoski continued, “Not only have we delivered a product with well-balanced performance, but, by leveraging our experience from endurance racing we are providing improved value for drivers who will benefit from a 14% improvement in mileage[7] and 6% improvement in energy efficiency[8] versus the previous generation of the tire.”

Read HERE the full interview with Alexandre Scharis, Technical Project Manager for Winter and All-Season, Consumer EMEA at Goodyear.

[1]Based on 41 reviews in journals from November 2013 to September 2020, conducted by 16 of the leading and independent European tire magazines. The calculation is based on the number of goodyear test wins in the All-Season category over all competitors tested. More information under: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/legal-disclaimer-test-claims.html

[2] ETRMA, EDW & GFK 2016-2020

[3] All Season IPSOS study Dec. 2019

[4] https://www.tirereviews.co.uk/Article/2020-Tire-Reviews-All-Season-Tire-Test.htm

[5] Internal test, size 205/55R16 91V on VW Golf.

[6] Internal test, size 205/55R16 91V on VW Golf.

[7] Internal test. Tire Size 205/55 R16 94V on VW Golf.

[8] Based on Internal Rolling Resistance lab test. Tire Size 205/55 R16 94V.

Eight Times Around the World: A Marathon Test for Goodyear's New, Award-Winning All-Season Tyre

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:30:00 +0200

The All-Season tyre segment is expanding rapidly, having witnessed around 21 percent growth across Europe over the last five years.[1] It’s also a segment where motorists have high expectations, demanding a product that is well-balanced and can deliver high performance in all road and weather conditions.[2]

For tire engineers, developing All-Season tyre is therefore one of the biggest challenges. Alexandre Scharis, Technical Project Manager for Winter and All-Season Consumer EMEA, shares his insights on developing an award-winning All-Season tire.

Alexandre and his team faced the formidable task of improving the Vector 4Seasons Gen-2, an All-Season tire that has more awards than any other brand[3]. This week the new Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 was awarded test wins by prestigious German magazine Auto Bild (issue 39-2020), as well as Tyre Reviews, the leading source of independent tire information in the world.

What makes the development process of all-season tire different from other tires?

Scharis: Actually, the development of an All-Season tire is the combination of the development of a summer and a winter tire. This means that we need to test our product under a wide range of weather and road conditions. For this purpose, we have test tracks at our disposal all year round in Switzerland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Finland, France, the United States, Thailand and New Zealand.

All in all, our test drivers run a real marathon, because they cover some 320,000 kilometers at the wheel of our test vehicles. That’s the equivalent of circling the globe a total of eight times. This is the only way we can ensure that we receive the data we need to meet our highest development goals. In addition, around 36,000 engineering hours and 3,800 laboratory tests are required to achieve the desired performance characteristics of the new tire.

What was the biggest challenge for the development team?

Scharis: In tire development process we constantly strive to reconcile conflicting goals. All performance criteria must be balanced in the best possible way. The biggest challenge with All-Season tires is that we must add an extra dimension to the usual balancing act, because we must take winter and summer performance into account. It's all about avoiding weaknesses in individual criteria while at the same time achieving the targeted increase in performance.

What are the most important success factors for further improving an already leading product?

Scharis: The key factor for success is to find the right balance of performance. The Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen-2 already has an unrivalled track record in independent tire testing.[4] So, with the Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3 we wanted to make the best even better. To achieve this, we developed a new product that is extremely well balanced thanks to innovative materials and technologies.

What are you most proud of?

Scharis: The greatest success for our development team was to prove at the end of the project that the performance targets had been achieved. Goodyear is known as a pioneer in the All-Season segment and has a long history and great success in this area. Our engineers are very proud to be a major contributor to this new and improved product.

The Vector 4 Seasons Gen-3’s performance has been recognized by renowned magazines like Germany’s Auto Bild (issue 39-2020), who chose the tire as test winner of their all-season tire test and the UK online platform Tyre Reviews, who confirmed it as the test winner in the 2020 17” All Season Tyre Test.

Auto Bild also awarded the tire the prestigious “EcoMaster” title in recognition of its test-leading performance in the mileage, rolling resistance and price/mileage ratio categories.

What innovations are in the new Vector 4Seasons Gen-3?

Scharis: The product combines three key technologies. First, Snow Grip Technology provides improved grip on snow. The large number of special sipes in the center of the tread provide five percent better handling on snow compared to its predecessor.[5]

Secondly, Dry Handling Technology offers reinforced tread and shoulder blocks that reduce the deformation of the tire under high loads, such as during sporty dry riding. Among other things, this results in five percent better dry braking compared to the previous generation of the tire.[6]

Finally, the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 maintains the impressive level of aquaplaning resistance of its predecessor through Aqua Control Technology, over long mileage and even as the tread depth decreases. It is comprised of innovative grooves that optimize water evacuation over the lifetime of the tire. The combination of these technologies creates an even better balance of all performance criteria in snow, wet and on dry roads.

[1] ETRMA, EDW & GFK 2016-2020

[2] All Season IPSOS study Dec. 2019

[3] Based on 34 tests conducted by 18 leading and independent European tire magazines from January 2015 to December 2019. The calculation is based on the number of tests Goodyear won in the all-season segment versus all competitors tested. More information is available at https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/legal-disclaimer-test-claims.html.

[4] Based on 34 tests conducted by 18 leading and independent European tire magazines from January 2015 to December 2019. The calculation is based on the number of tests Goodyear has won in the all-season segment compared to all tested competitors. For further information please visit https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/legal-disclaimer-test-claims.html

[5] Internal test, size 205/55R16 91V on VW Golf.

[6] Internal test, size 205/55R16 91V on VW Golf.

Goodyear takes first place in Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 10:38:01 +0200

The new Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 impresses Tyre Reviews and takes the 2020 title

BIRMINGHAM, UK, September 23^rd, 2020 – Tyre Reviews, the leading source of independent tyre information in the world, has crowned the new Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 as the test winner in their 2020 17” All Season Tyre Test.

The test focused on the popular 225/45R17 size and assessed a range of disciplines in snow, dry and wet conditions. Tests included handling, braking, aquaplaning, noise, rolling resistance and price.

Goodyear’s new Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 product performed consistently well throughout the test to take the number one position. Jon Benson, owner and tester for Tyre Reviews said: “There are no faults [with this product]. It’s amazing that one tyre can do everything so well.”

The tyre is equipped with Snow Grip Technology, Dry Handling Technology and Aqua Control Technology, so it was no surprise to see the tyre taking podium positions in the dry, wet and snow timed and subjective handling tests, snow braking, snow traction and wet braking tests. The tyre also performed well in the noise test and came first in the rolling resistance tests.

Commenting on these performance areas, Benson reviewed: “[the performance of the product] shows how much work the Goodyear engineers have put into upgrading the already brilliant Vector 4Seasons Gen-2. Well done Goodyear, you should be really proud of this tyre, it’s excellent in pretty much every category.”

Mike Rytokoski, Chief Marketing Officer for Goodyear Europe commented: “We are thrilled that our new Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 has taken the top spot in this important tyre test. We have been present in the All Season market for over 30 years and we have extensive knowledge and experience of the technologies that go into making these tyres work in any condition, ensuring the best performance for consumers whatever the weather.”

“We have more All Season tyre test wins than any other brand*, and I am so proud of this fact. Our evolving Vector 4Seasons range continues to perform for us having won the 2019 Auto Express All Season Test and the 2020 Auto Express Product Award with the Gen-2 product. It’s great to see a win with the new Gen-3 product so soon after its launch into the market.”

Notes to Editors

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 63,000 people and manufactures its products in 47 facilities in 21 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. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

The Dunlop Sport All Season – A breakthrough all-season tire for mild winter climates

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 11:16:10 +0200

The Dunlop Sport All Season is the brand’s first all-season tire and completes the Dunlop portfolio.

Dunlop enters the all-season market with a three-peak mountain snowflake certified tire.
The tire provides exceptional dry handling, exceptional braking on wet surfaces, and performs optimally across a wide temperature range.

Dunlop is completing its brand portfolio with the debut of the Dunlop Sport All Season. The brand’s first all-season tire, it is optimized across a wide temperature range and offers exceptional braking on wet and slippery roads[1].

“The Dunlop Sport All Season is a product that is designed to offer premium performance for mild winter climates,” said Mike Rytokoski, Chief Marketing Officer, Europe at Goodyear, “ with a three-peak mountain snowflake certification, the Sport All Season will cope with all weather conditions - dry, wet, and snowy.”

Part of the Goodyear brand portfolio, Dunlop benefitted from industry-leading knowledge for its entry into the all-season segment. The inventor of the all-season tire, Goodyear recently launched the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, a worthy successor to the Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 – an all-season tire that has more awards than any other brand[2].

The Dunlop Sport All Season is a unique concept that employs a rib-design, as well as three important features.

Thanks to a sport-lock construction, the tire provides exceptional handling on dry surfaces. The tire's strong belt and overlay package support sport performance power when cornering by providing better stability.

An aqua-eject tread delivers strong braking performance on wet surfaces; its high-capacity longitudinal grooves and radial edges deliver more extensive road contact by accelerating water evacuation from the contact patch.

Finally, the Dunlop Sport All Season features a weather-flex compound that delivers optimized performance under any temperature or weather condition. The multifunctional polymer blend activates rubber flexibility at a wide temperature range.

“Dunlop is proud to step into the all-season market with a product tailored to the needs of consumers, who are increasingly purchasing all-season tires and who expect excellent wet and dry performance when doing so," Rytokoski concluded.

The Dunlop Sport All Season has a line-up of 31 SKUs to be launched starting in October 2020, ranging from 14-inch to 18-inch tires.

[1] Based on internal testing. Tested tires: Michelin CrossClimatePlus, Pirelli Cinturato All Season Plus, Hankook Kinergy4S2 H750, Continental All Season Contact, Dunlop Sport All Season. Tested car: VW Golf VII 1.4 Tsi. Test results may vary, depending on e.g., geometry of the asphalt, asphalt composition, speed, water height, ambient temperature.

[2] Based on 34 tests conducted by 18 leading and independent European tire magazines from January 2015 to December 2019. The calculation is based on the number of tests Goodyear won in the all-season segment versus all competitors tested. More information is available at https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/legal-disclaimer-test-claims.html.

Goodyear Takes First Place in Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 08:00:00 +0200

The new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 impresses Auto Express and takes the 2020 title

BIRMINGHAM, UK, September 9^th, 2020 – Auto Express, the UK’s biggest selling weekly motoring magazine, has published its annual summer tyre test today, crowning Goodyear as the winner.

The test focused on the world’s top selling size – 205/55R16 and assessed ten different tyre brands against one another in key disciplines including wet and dry handling, wet and dry braking, aquaplaning, noise, rolling resistance and price.

The new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance performed well throughout the test to take first place. Kim Adams, who conducted the test for Auto Express, said: “A debut win for the [EfficientGrip] Performance 2 which manages to retain enough wet performance to effectively balance dry grip and impressive fuel economy.”

The tyre is equipped with Wet Braking Technology and Dry Stability Plus Technology, so it was no surprise to see the tyre coming first in the Dry Handling test run by Auto Express.

Commenting on these performance areas, Adams reviewed: “[in the wet]…it felt good behind the wheel with a strong front, but a rear that was kept in check. Move across to the dry track and the latest EfficientGrip comes in to its own…with a good turn in and ability to take more throttle than rivals before pushing wide. It also lasted longer before losing grip compared to most competitors.”

In the coveted test, the tyre also performed well in Rolling Resistance and Noise tests coming first in both.

Mike Rytokoski, Chief Marketing Officer for Goodyear Europe commented: “We are thrilled that our new EfficientGrip Performance 2 has taken the top spot in this important tyre test. Not only have we proved that the product performs well in the criteria tested by Auto Express, but we also know that one of the major benefits of this new product is its mileage potential.

“Featuring Mileage Plus Technology, it boasts 50% more mileage than its predecessor and 20% more mileage than the next best competitor, Michelin, according to independent testing organization TÜV SÜD*.

“This product keeps on performing for us with podium finishes in other tyre tests across Europe and now the top spot in the Auto Express adds to the collection.”

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 - Making the Best Even Better

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 14:44:57 +0200

With the launch of the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, Goodyear is introducing the latest installment in its award-winning range of all-season tires. This latest generation tire will provide consumers with improved snow, wet and dry performance.

“Our designers and engineers faced the formidable task of improving the Vector 4Seasons Gen-2, an all-season tire that has more awards than any other brand[1],” said Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Europe, “we are proud to have made the best even better with the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3.”

The all-season segment is one of the fastest growing in the tire industry. Consumers who shop for all-season tires are looking for three primary characteristics – safety in all weather conditions, excellent braking and grip in wet conditions and excellent braking in dry conditions.

Thanks to Goodyear’s Snow Grip technology, the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 provides improved grip for better handling on snow. The large amount of sipes at the center of the tire’s tread provide for better snow biting, improving handling on snow by 5% in comparison to the previous generation of the tire.[2]

Goodyear’s Dry Handling technology provides strong crown and shoulder blocks that reduce the deformation of the tire during heavy maneuvers. This delivers 5% better dry braking versus the tire’s previous generation.[3]

The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 also maintains its predecessor’s impressive level of aquaplaning resistance thanks to Goodyear’s Aqua Control technology, which uses deep and wide grooves to improve water dispersion.

The new Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 was introduced as of April 2020, with 65 new SKUs to be progressively introduced in 2020 and further SKUs to follow in 2021 and 2022. The tire has also received a number of OE approvals, with fitments planned for later this year on vehicles such as the Peugeot 2008/3008/5008, DS3 Crossback and DS7 Crossback. Several additional Goodyear fitments for other original equipment manufacturers will follow this year.

[1]Based on 34 tests conducted by 18 leading and independent European tire magazines from January 2015 to December 2019. The calculation is based on the number of tests Goodyear won in the all-season segment versus all competitors tested. More information is available at https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/legal-disclaimer-test-claims.html.

[2] Internal test, size 205/55R16 91V on VW Golf.

[3] Internal test, size 205/55R16 91V on VW Golf.

How to prepare for an MOT

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:11:30 +0200

On 30^th March, as the UK went into lockdown, the announcement came that MOT expiry dates were to be extended by six months. With restrictions beginning to ease though, and garages throughout the country reopening, mandatory MOT tests will be reintroduced from 1^st August. As a result, a great many motorists will soon be gearing up for a – potentially overdue – visit to the garage.

MOTs can often be nerve-wracking, and there will be plenty of motorists looking to reassure themselves that their vehicle is in good shape. While there’s only so much that can be done without specialist equipment, there are checks that you can perform yourself so you’re as prepared as possible when the big day comes.

With that in mind, here are some of the best pre-MOT checks that our experts at Goodyear suggest you consider.

A few general checks

There are plenty of things that you can check very easily before taking your car for its MOT. Making sure that the horn, wipers and windscreen washers are working properly, for example, are all quick wins. Be thorough in your preparation, though. Some of these simpler checks can seem so inconsequential that they’re actually quite easy to overlook. Your seatbelts, for one, must be in good condition, and your vehicle should also be clean. A dirty car won’t fail you automatically, but your registration plates need to be legible, and your lights mustn’t be blurred by smudged glass.

Check your tyres

Here at Goodyear, we’d always advise regularly ensuring that your tyres are in good condition. Checking them ahead of your MOT though could be the difference between passing or failing your test. Walk round your vehicle and inspect the tyres. Look out for bulges or cuts on the sidewalls, as well as for objects stuck in the tread. You should also use a tread depth gauge to ensure that the tread is at least 1.6mm across the breadth of the tyre. This is something that will definitely by tested, so it’s worth checking yourself ahead of time. Finally, any spare tyres that you might have must also be road legal. This can be easily be overlooked, so make sure to check your spare just as thoroughly as the tyres that are on your car.

Try your lights

Faulty lighting can easily scupper an MOT but is such a simple part of your car to check. The trick is to be comprehensive and make sure to test them all. So, ahead of your MOT, check that all of your exterior bulbs are working, and that the lenses are free of any cracks or damage. You’ll need to test your headlights (both dipped and main beam), front and rear side lights, stop lights, reversing lights, front and rear fog lights. Make sure to also check the indicators, your number plate lights and the warning lights on your dash. If any bulbs have blown, check the owner’s manual to see if you can replace them yourself. Alternatively, a high street autocentre such as HiQ, should easily be able to change them.

Lift the bonnet

Your vehicle’s fluid levels will certainly be checked during an MOT, so lifting the bonnet beforehand and making sure everything’s in order is a really easy way of getting prepared. Make sure the fluid level in the brake system’s reservoir is between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ indicators. Check that there’s plenty of screen wash and also that you have enough oil. It’s good practice to carry out these checks on a regular basis, but doing so before an MOT is essential.

Screens and mirrors

While a small chip in your windscreen won’t necessarily mean an automatic failure, it’s worth being aware that damage to the glass has the potential to cause issues during an MOT. Check that the entire area swept by the wipers has no cracks or chips. If there’s any damage outside this area, it should be no more than 10mm in diameter. Likewise, all mirrors should be securely fixed and the glass in good condition.

There are specialist services that can be used to deal with a chip or a crack, and it’s well worth getting this sorted ahead of your MOT. If any of your screens or mirrors don’t meet these criteria though, be prepared for the garage to question it during your test.

With lockdown moving gradually into the rear-view mirror, we’re all going to start spending more time on the road. While MOTs were probably one of the few aspects of daily life that many of us were actually glad to see put on hold, with the right preparation, there’s no reason that their return should be cause for concern.

For information on preparing your car for the end of lockdown, and making sure that you’re ready to return to the road, visit https://news.goodyear.eu/en/preparing-your-car-for-the-end-of-lockdown-uk/

Goodyear will supply two types of 4x4 tyres for the New Land Rover Defender.

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 09:53:41 +0200

Jaguar Land Rover has been working closely for many years with Goodyear on the supply of original equipment tyres (OE) for various models in its wide range. This time, the British brand is once again relying on Goodyear to equip its true off-road icon, the New Land Rover Defender, which is coming back to life in a completely new generation in 2020.

Unstoppable and incomparable, the New Land Rover Defender can fit Goodyear tyres in different sizes and specifications. For instance, the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure is available in 18”, 19” and 20” wheels for the New Defender. This multi-skilled and all-round tyre allows drivers of the New Land Rover Defender to enjoy a very high level of riding comfort, and at the same time leave the road at any time and face off-road tracks with absolute confidence. It has a reinforced Kevlar® carcass to give consistency and prevent punctures and perforations during off-road use. The shoulders have DuraWall technology that avoids punctures or breaks in the flank area, very useful when driving on rocky areas. This tire also features an optimised tread design, which allows it to achieve 37% more mileage¹ than the average of its competitors.

But Goodyear offers an extra level of off-road performance for those customers who want their vehicles to go even further: the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac will also be available at Land Rover Retailers in 18”, 19” and 20” sizes to fit the New Defender. The Wrangler DuraTrac incorporates the technology TractiveGroove™ that ensures optimal traction on surfaces as difficult as mud or snow.

GOODYEAR PARTNER OF THE WORLD PREMIERE IN NAMIBIA

For the global launch and presentation to the international press of the New Land Rover Defender, the British brand created a complete test programme in Namibia, where journalists from all over the world were able to test the new SUV on some of the most challenging and demanding routes in the world. A perfect environment to test the off-road capabilities of the New Defender. All the vehicles participating in the expedition were equipped with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tyres, on 18” 19” wheels, depending on each car’s configuration.

_{1. Driven on front and rear axle, compared to the average performance of 3 competitor designs in SUV/ 4x4 segment. Tested by Dekra in Dec 2016 by order of Goodyear. Test Car Toyota Hilux 2.4- 4x4, tire size 265/65 R17 112T/S. Test location: Dekra Testing Center (FP01B), France. Report/Test ref. 16CPB34-389, Wear limit = 1.6 mm for all grooves. Front Axle, Wrangler AT/A is 49% better and on rear Axle Wrangler AT/A is 25% better than average of competition, therefore average is 37% better than average of tested tires.}

Touring car champion Turkington track tests latest Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 17:46:36 +0200

Ahead of next week’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) opener at Donington, four time champion Colin Turkington managed to squeeze in some last-minute practice at the Leicestershire circuit whilst giving new BTCC tyre supplier, Goodyear, some valuable feedback on their latest ultra high performance road tyres.

Colin was able to draw a direct comparison between the race and road tyres as he switched from his usual BMW 330i MSport BTCC car on Goodyear racing slick tyres to the Goodyear’s own BMW M2 Competition test car, gripped by the latest Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres.

It made for an interesting comparison. The BTCC car has over 350hp and weighs 1280kg. Its roadgoing cousin actually has 50bhp more, but weighs over 350kgs more - the equivalent of having three passengers on board!

Colin was impressed with the Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres fitted to the M2, remarking: “I’m seriously impressed by the very direct feel, the front of the car points straight away towards the apex. That’s what I want on the race track.

“Donington is tough on tyres, with a couple of corners such as the Old Hairpin and Macleans where I’m braking hard and turning at the same time. Nevertheless, the response and stability gives me the confidence to attack fast corners. The stiffer sidewall gives me the feel and feedback I need in these fast curves.”

Colin has won 51 BTCC races since his debut in the UK’s leading racing championship in 2002, with 37 of those wins being at the wheel of a BMW. This year will be his first season on Goodyear tyres after the tyre brand chose to enter the BTCC to build on the launch of its Eagle F1 SuperSport range of road tyres and its successful return to European and International sportscar racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) earlier this season.

Goodyear Excels in Annual Auto Express Product Awards

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:13:46 +0200

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 2 takes All Season Tyre Product Award Winner 2020 accolade
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + wins Winter Tyre Product Award 2020
Summer Tyre Product Award 2020 praises Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 SUV as they proudly appear on the podium

UK, 1^st June 2020 – Goodyear Tyres has performed exceptionally well in the recent Auto Express Product Awards 2020 published on the 27^th May.

The awards, which celebrate the top products in aftermarket car care to help motorists clean, maintain and protect their car, are backed by an extensive test programme that’s unmatched by any other UK car magazine. The tyre tests carried out by Auto Express over the previous 12 months provide the data to validate the tests and within the tyre category. They conducted tests across three segments of the market; summer tyres, winter tyres and all season tyres.

Goodyear took the top place in the winter and all season tests whilst both Goodyear and Dunlop came commended in the summer tyre test.

Auto Express All Season Tyre Product Award 2020 - Winner

Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons Gen-2 took the win in the Product Awards and even though this product has been on the market for some time, its performance is still winning proving Goodyear’s Vector family has the technology to perform year after year. Reporting on the All Season Product Award, Kim Adams from Auto Express wrote: “The Gen-2 Vector 4Seasons set something of a record when it won this test last year, because no two-time winner has had wins so far apart – its last victory was in 2016. It has been a top-three regular, though, and this win yet again showcases Goodyear’s ability to develop a tyre throughout its life.”

The Vector family has recently launched its latest addition to the line up in the shape of the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. This latest generation tyre will provide consumers with improved snow, wet and dry performance verses its predecessor, responding to consumers who shop for all-season tyres who are looking for three primary characteristics – safety in all weather conditions, excellent braking and grip in wet conditions and excellent braking in dry conditions.

Auto Express Winter Tyre Product Award 2020 - Winner

Goodyear’s UltraGrip Performance + which was new to the market in 2019 excelled in the Winter Tyre Test. Auto Express tester, Kim Adams, reported that “the (Goodyear UltraGrip) Performance+ dominated in the White Hell winter proving ground, enjoying a two-per-cent advantage over its rivals. It just missed out on a clean sweep of test victories, but the Goodyear kept its advantage in the wet, winning in the key braking and handling tests.”

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ provides wet, dry and winter performance for high-performance cars thanks to two key technologies; Traction Protect Technology which includes a new resin which improves the deformation and reformation capabilities of the tyre allowing for braking forces to be better converted into grip. And Winter Grip Technology which carries a new compound mixture leading to a better rubber elasticity at low temperatures, boosting grip on snow and ice. These technologies, along with the overall performance of the tyre enabled it to win the thorough Auto Express test.

Auto Express Summer Tyre Product Award 2020 – Commended

Auto Express commended the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 SUV in the Summer Tyre Product Awards. The test was aimed at tyres suited for SUVs, which are the current hot ticket in the market, with new SUV-specific designs going on sale regularly. Auto Express chose one of the biggest-selling sizes (235/50R18) in this area of the market for review.

Kim Adams, commended on the Goodyear brands: “Goodyear and its stablemate Dunlop restored a bit of normality to the test results, taking a joint third place.”

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 “was the aquaplaning star, taking top place in the tricky curved assessment, when the tread grooves are distorted, and second spot in a straight line. It also took podiums in wet handling and braking.”

Whereas the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 SUV “secured two podium finishes in the aquaplaning tests, and was secure on the handling track.”

Mike Rytokoski, Chief Marketing Officer Europe for Goodyear said: “We are thrilled to be given these accolades from Auto Express. The power of recommendation within the marketplace is very valuable, particularly when it comes from trusted magazines such as Auto Express in the UK. So taking these badges of honour is really important to us.”

“Our product portfolio has been subject to a number of R&D investments recently to meet the evolving needs and expectations of today’s consumer. The time and effort that our team has put into producing some of the best tyres in the market can be truly celebrated when we receive accolades like these.”

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Preparing your car for the end of lockdown

Wed, 27 May 2020 14:57:16 +0200

After close to two months of lockdown we’re all keen to get back on the road, and with the news that from 13th May we’ll be able to drive further afield for exercise, many of us will be gearing up to do just that. But as we have tried since March to cut down on all unnecessary travel, a great many vehicles have spent that time largely – or in some cases completely – unused.

Even when it isn’t being regularly driven, a car still requires maintenance, and it’s ultimately the driver’s responsibility to ensure that it’s roadworthy. So as we ready ourselves to get back behind the wheel, here are a few simple checks that you can carry out to ensure that your car is ready for the road.

Check your tyres

Likewise, having a vehicle’s full weight sitting for weeks on end upon a single section of tyre may cause flat spots to develop. These patches of worn-down tread will unbalance the wheel, causing it to vibrate and affecting the vehicle’s handling when it returns to the road. If you do notice these tell-tale signs, you should have the tyre inspected as soon as possible by a professional.

You may even find that your tyres harden after going unused for extensive periods of time, which can, in turn, lead to the sidewalls cracking. Inspect your tyres for cracks before setting off and, just as you would with a flat spot, have any that you find inspected by a professional.

Check for debris

When a vehicle isn’t used for an extended period, it can easily begin to gather twigs and leaves, which have the potential to catch fire in a hot engine. So to stop your car from overheating, make sure to inspect the grille and underneath the bonnet for any debris before setting off.

Check your paperwork

Back in March, an exemption of six months was announced for those whose MOTs were due to fall during the lockdown period. When we do begin to return to normality, make sure to check your service history and last MOT certificate. If your next inspection would have taken place during lockdown, you’ll want to get it booked in as soon as possible.

Check the fluid levels

Check your lights

You might be so caught up with checking your paperwork and oil levels that it can be easy to overlook your lights. Before setting off, take a moment to check that all of your lights are still in working order. So not just your headlights, but also your braking, reverse and indicator signals too. The last thing you want is to wait until you’re driving on a dark road to discover you’re missing a light.

Don’t set straight off

Finally, if your car hasn’t been used at all since March, don’t go tearing off your drive the moment you’ve fired it up. Once you’ve turned the ignition, don’t even rev it. The engine will need a little time to warm up, so just let it idle for a few moments before you set off.

For more information on how to make sure your tyres in particular are ready to return to the road, visit the Goodyear or TyreSafe websites.

Maintaining your tyres during Lockdown

Tue, 12 May 2020 13:31:35 +0200

With motorists currently being advised to only make essential journeys, a great many vehicles around the UK are currently sitting largely unused.

Even when a vehicle isn’t in use though, it’s vital that it still be correctly maintained. Tyres, for example, still require regular attention. Ideally, the vehicle would be raised so that the tyres are no longer supporting its weight. For the majority of motorists though, this isn’t practical. So, they will need to keep a careful eye on their tyres’ air pressure, tread depth and overall condition.

Goodyear Tyres has the following advice to help motorists take care of their tyres during lockdown and ensure that their vehicle is still safe upon returning to the road.

Flat spots

If a vehicle isn’t being used, to have its full weight sitting upon the tyres may cause them to develop flat spots. These patches of worn-down tread will unbalance the wheel, making it vibrate and affecting the vehicle’s handling when returning to the road. Where possible, and only if you can do so within government guidelines, the vehicle should be moved every three months in order to avoid this. For vehicles equipped with high performance tyres though, it’s recommended that the vehicle be moved every 30 days.

If the tyres have been properly cared for during their prolonged storage, any flat spots will usually disappear after around 25 miles of driving. Regular movement will also help to prevent cracking in the sidewall.

Tread depth

While vehicle owners have been granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing, the law governing the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm has not been suspended.

Tread depth plays an essential role in helping a vehicle to grip the road in wet conditions. Without this crucial contact, the vehicle will be more difficult to control and its braking distances will increase. A tyre being driven below 1.6mm is illegal and, if found by the police, could earn the driver a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points – per tyre.

A 20p-piece can be used to show how close a tyre’s tread is to the legal limit. Insert the coin across the width of the tyre and around its circumference; if you can see the border of the coin, the tyre is close to the legal limit and should be checked carefully with an accurate gauge.

Pressures

Even while a vehicle is off the road, motorists should pay careful attention to their tyre pressures. To keep tyres at their best, they can be temporarily inflated to the manufacturer’s maximum recommended pressure. This information, usually labelled ‘Max Press’, can be found in the form of a PSI number on the tyre’s sidewall. When the vehicle returns to regular use, the pressure should be adjusted to the recommended standard inflation.

To carry out these checks and adjust accordingly, motorists should use an accurate pressure gauge, paying attention to the need to adjust between heavy and light loads. A tyre’s correct air pressure is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found in the handbook, door or fuel filler cap.

While checking and adjusting their pressures, drivers should also check that their tyre doesn’t have any lumps, cracks or objects lodged in the tread. If any of these are present, the tyre should be considered unsafe to use until checked by a professional.

Environmental factors

If a vehicle can’t be stored in such a way that the tyres aren’t bearing its weight, motorists should completely unload it so that the tyres are, at least, carrying minimum weight. The environment in which the car is parked can also have an effect though, with the rubber compound in even stationary tyres reacting to extremes in weather and temperature.

The surface on which the vehicle is parked should be firm, reasonably level, well drained and clean. Tyres should not be left in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Similarly, they should not be left where they will be continuously exposed to direct sunlight or on heat-absorbent surfaces, such as black asphalt.

For further information on how best to maintain your tyres during lockdown, visit https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/learn/maintaining-your-tire.html

How to keep getting your Motoring Kicks during Lockdown

Tue, 12 May 2020 13:12:42 +0200

There’s no two ways about it – lockdown is tough.

For petrolheads though, whose favourite pass-times include hitting the track, driving to a meet or watching the latest round of championship racing, the current state of affairs will be particularly stifling.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. We might not be able to now, but there are plenty of activities to keep any self-respecting car enthusiast entertained until we’re allowed, once again, to hit the road.

Work on your project car

This is a big one. It’s time to get your hands dirty and make some real headway with your project car; the one that’s been watching you from the garage, yearning for the TLC that’ll finally get it out on the road. Whether it’s a classic beauty that needs a full-blown restoration or a hot hatch that’s halfway to becoming an animal on the track, there’s no excuse during lockdown. Roll up your sleeves, get out the toolbox and make it happen.

Valet service

We all enjoy the satisfaction that comes with giving the car a good hosing down on a Sunday afternoon. But if you’re able to park your car on a drive and safely prevent any social distancing violations, why not use lockdown to go one step further, and carry out the kind of clean that you’d ordinarily have to visit a valet for? Tyres and wheel arches are often overlooked when it comes to scrubbing the car, so think about shining your tyres up with some solvent free tyre dressing. Show them some special care now, and by the time we’re allowed to hit the road again, it’ll be like setting off on a brand-new set of wheels.

Set up the Scalextric

How many of us first discovered our love of racing while playing with a Scalextric set? Living rooms, bedrooms, dining room tables… all have been to put use over the years as grounds for our very own legendary circuits. With championship racing suspended for the time being and no opportunity to visit the circuit to rack up a few laps ourselves, now is the perfect time to fetch the old set out again.

Catch up on some reading

If nothing else, lockdown presents a great opportunity to expand your knowledge. Whether it be catching up with the latest industry developments in a glossy motoring magazine – many of which still being published, despite lockdown – or finally reading your Haynes manual from cover to cover, there’s plenty of top-notch reading material to tide you over. If physical media isn’t your thing though, why not geek out online with some leading motoring influencers. Sites like DriveTribe are putting out some excellent social media content for any petrolheads who are climbing the walls, while our friends over at Tyre Reviews are perfect for anyone looking todevelop their understanding of tyres. Whatever your particular area of interest, there really is something for everyone.

Go to the movies

Most of us are likely to be using lockdown to catch up on some TV. And while, yes, there are plenty of streaming services offering a host of great new shows to watch, why not take advantage of the opportunity to tick off – or even revisit – some classic motoring movies? Whether it be more recent hits, such as Baby Driver or Le Mans ’66, or legendary classics, like Bullitt or The Italian Job, there’s sure to be something for every homebound petrolhead.

Stock up on essentials

Getting to ready to hit the road needn’t be as complex as completely renovating an old car. We all know that we should keep a safety kit in the boot of the car – but how many of us actually do? While we’re grounded, why not take the opportunity to put yours together? A warning triangle, high-vis jacket and tyre pressure gauge are all worth having, especially if you know that you’ll be racking up a large number of miles once we’re back on the road.

Take care of your tyres

Finally, just because your car is out of action too, doesn’t mean you can’t still take care of it. Tyres, for example, still require upkeep to make sure they’re at their best. Where possible, temporarily inflate them to the manufacturer’s maximum recommended pressure, so that the patches supporting the full weight of the car are fully supported.

You should also move your car regularly – even if it’s just a few feet up and down the drive – to ensure its full weight isn’t resting on the same patch of tyre for weeks on end. This will avoid flat spots forming, whereby the rubber has worn down more than the rest of the tyre, and will help to ensure that they are at their best post-lockdown.

From more information on how to take the best care of your tyres during lockdown, visit https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/learn/maintaining-your-tire.html

Goodyear takes you further with new EfficientGrip Performance 2 tyre

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:51:51 +0200

Goodyear launches the new EfficientGrip Performance 2 with an estimated 50% higher mileage³ than its predecessor and 20% higher mileage than Michelin¹

Announcing the launch of the EfficientGrip Performance 2 tyre, Goodyear is showcasing industry leading performance credentials with this new high-performance tyre. Positioned as the successor to the widely praised EfficientGrip Performance, the tyre is aimed at motorists with 15 – 18 inch rims looking for high mileage and high levels of performance across wet and dry braking.

The tyre boasts an impressive, estimated 50% higher mileage than its predecessor³, while also outperforming Michelin, its closest tested competitor, in mileage tests by 20%. The independent tests by TÜV SÜD also recorded the shortest braking distances on wet and dry roads compared to four tested competitors².

“The new EfficientGrip Performance 2 offers a solution without compromises for consumers who want the highest possible mileagei from their tyres while maintaining a high level of performance", said Xavier Fraipont, VP EMEA Product Development for Goodyear. “Thanks to the technological advancements achieved by our team of designers and engineers, consumers will be able to enjoy additional mileagei with our EfficientGrip Performance 2 tires. This achievement is something we are very proud of; not only can motorists enjoy enhanced performance, but they will help the environment too by getting extended life out of the tyre¹.”

A number of innovative features allow the tyre to provide this increased mileage¹ while delivering a high level of performance:

High tread elasticity and flexibility assists with less tyre wear caused by rough road conditions, without compromising on wet and dry performance.
An increased number of longer gripping edges combined with optimised compound stiffness, improves water evacuation and shortens braking distances on wet surfaces.
Large ribs at the center of the tread ensure greater stiffness – enabling improved stability in emergency handling situations.

The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 is available in 45 sizes.

¹ 20%/11,000km higher mileage than next-best tested competitor. Mileage (i.e. until the legal tread wear limit is reached) compared to the four latest designs from competitors in summer HP segment (Michelin Primacy 4, Continental PremiumContact 6, Bridgestone Turanza T005, Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue). Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in November 2019 by order of Goodyear. Tire size tested: 205/55R16 91V; Test car: VW Golf Mk7; Test location: open roads in central Germany. Report number: 713171748. Full report available at: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/tire-test-reports/tire-test-reports-summer.html.

² Shorter braking distances on wet and dry roads than all tested competitors. Compared to the four latest designs from main competitors in summer HP segment (Michelin Primacy 4, Continental PremiumContact 6, Bridgestone Turanza T005, Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue). Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in November 2019 by order of Goodyear. Tire size tested: 205/55R16 91V; Test car: VW Golf Mk7; Test locations: ATP Papenburg (DE), GPG Mireval (FR), TÜV SÜD PS Garching (DE), Neubiberg (DE), Denburg (DE). Report number: 713171748. Full report available at: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/tire-test-reports/tire-test-reports-summer.html

³ Internal estimates. Compared to predecessor EfficientGrip Performance. Tire size: 205/55R16 91V; Car: VW Golf 7; Location: open roads in Luxembourg and France

Goodyear Partners with Lexus to Shape the Future of Electric Mobility

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 12:43:40 +0200

BRUSSELS, March 5^th, 2020 – Representing Lexus’ bold new vision of vehicle electrification, the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept celebrates the brand’s 30^th anniversary and is designed to promise a dynamic driving experience like no other. This unique concept vehicle was originally presented sitting on four bespoke Goodyear concept tyres at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. It was presented again on Tuesday, March 3^rd at Lexus’ live press conference during the Virtual Press Day of the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show.

Goodyear’s concept tyres are tailor-made to benefit the modern, sleek and sporty design of the Lexus. They support EV motors and are designed to improve the overall comfort and performance of the car.

“We are proud to have worked on this project with Lexus, a company that has been pioneering innovations in mobility for 30 years”, explains Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Europe, “This collaboration demonstrates once again the critical role tires can play in shaping the future of electric mobility.”

The LF-30 Electrified concept tyre includes several innovative features:

EV motor cooling: Drawing on Goodyear’s expertise in aerodynamics, the concept tyres are designed to improve the cooling of the EV motors. Cool air enters through the front bumper intake and fins on the tyres drive the flow towards the electric motor positioned behind each wheel. The hot air produced by the EV motor is then expelled towards the outer edge of the rim of the LF-30 Electrified.
Reduced aerodynamic drag: The tyre design along with the outer tire shape would improve the Lexus’ aerodynamics by reducing drag, resulting in higher efficiency and battery range.
Noise reduction through biomimicry: Goodyear found inspiration in nature when designing the concept tyres. The leading edges of the cooling fins are covered with fine velvet like on the wings of an owl, which enables the predator to silently catch their prey at night. Through this biomimetic solution, the rolling noise of the tire would be reduced to a minimum.

Goodyear’s concept tyre for the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept comes in a 285/35R24 size.

Goodyear First to Achieve Key Labeling Mark for Fuel Efficiency and Extreme Traction

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:23:00 +0100

AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 27, 2020 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has become the first tire manufacturer to produce an original equipment all-season tire, set to be publicly released later this year, with the industry standard 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) designation that also is rated Rolling Resistance “A” in the European Tire Labeling Regulation.

Combining a traction level to meet the severe snow 3PMSF requirement while also delivering rolling resistance performance as an A-class tire is a significant achievement. Enabling both premium traction and premium fuel efficiency – a benefit from rolling resistance performance – helps represent an example of Goodyear’s successful role in future mobility solutions.

The project represented great teamwork and cross-functional collaboration between Goodyear’s technology teams in Luxembourg and Germany, leveraging the most recent tread pattern developments conducted in the replacement all-season lines, as well as new rubber compounding formulations. The Goodyear teams have been working with vehicle manufacturers on this technological breakthrough, with fitments planned for later this year on vehicles such as the Peugeot 2008/3008/5008, DS3 Crossback and DS7 Crossback.

Several additional Goodyear fitments for other original equipment manufacturers will follow this year.

“This project is a great example of anticipating the needs of the customer, demonstrating our technical superiority, and converting advanced technology into customer benefits,” said Xavier Fraipont, Goodyear’s vice president of EMEA Product Development.

Note: In European Tire Labeling, there are three categories: Fuel Efficiency; Wet Grip and Tire External Rolling Noise. In the Fuel Efficiency category, seven classes exist, ranging from G (least efficient) to A (most efficient).