Yokohama tyre receives good design award

Tokyo - A fuel-efficient tyre made using materials supplied by the Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd has received the Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO). Designated BluEarth AE-01 this is the second time Yokaham products have been so recognised, its last success being in 2009 with the DVAN dB tyre.

The Good Design Award was launched in 1998 and is the only comprehensive programme for the evaluation and encouragement of design in Japan, according to Yokaham. More than 35 000 awards have been made, and many overseas as well as domestic companies and organizations now participate in the program. The award entitles the item to bear the "G Mark" as a symbol of excellent design.

The BluEarth AE-01 was released domestically in July. It has been rated 'AA' for rolling resistance and 'c' for wet grip under the voluntary industry grading system for tyres launched Jan 2010 by the Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA). Rolling resistance was reduced by 24 percent from Yokohama's previous 'DNA ECOS' products, while meeting wet grip safety standards. Low noise and vibration, and a smooth, comfortable ride are among the improvements offered, Yokohama adds.

In addition to being a major contribution to protection of the global environment, Yokohama's affirmative efforts to reduce specific burdens on users, surrounding living environments, etc., as well as the elegant design including the tread pattern, have been highly regarded, as evidenced by receipt of the award.

Under the BluEarth concept - 'Easy on the Environment, People and Society' - Yokohama endeavours to be environmentally friendly through excellent fuel-efficiency, and easy on drivers and surrounding living environments through improvements in safety and comfort, and reduction of noise outside the vehicle.