IAA: Goodyear launches self-Inflating truck tyre

ERJ staff report (DS)

Frankfurt, Germany -- Goodyear has displayed its first truck tyre using its proprietary Air Maintenance Technology, or self-inflating system. The tyre is on show at the company's stand at the Frankfurt auto show, IAA.

“We believe the Air Maintenance Technology application for commercial vehicle tyres will not only enhance the performance of the tyre, but will also provide cost savings to fleet owners and operators through the extension of tyre tread life and increased fuel economy” stated Goodyear's Chief Technical Officer, Jean-Claude Kihn. “The progress we continue to make with this technology is very encouraging. We look forward to further testing of this concept.”

Goodyear said proper maintenance of air pressure in the tyre will save fuel. The company did not give details of the increase in rolling resistance, if any, due to the new technology.

Commercial tyres operate at a higher air pressure, typically 105 psi for commercial tyres vs. 32 psi for consumer tyres. This is a much more challenging performance requirement for the pump system. The commercial truck AMT system is being designed to perform after the retreading process.

Prototype tyres have been produced in Goodyear's Topeka manufacturing plant in Kansas, USA, and testing has confirmed that the AMT pumping mechanism works. An extensive fleet trial is planned to gather real-world information from customers in 2013.

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Press release from Goodyear