7 Dec 2010
ERJ staff report (R&PN)
Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has selected Bridgestone Corp.'s Ecopia tyre as an original equipment fitment on its Leaf electric car being introduced this month across North America.
In North America, the Leaf rolls out on the all-season Ecopia EP422 in size P205/55R16 89H. The fitment for Japan and Europe is the Ecopia EP150 in size 205/55R16 91V.
Bridgestone claims the Ecopia line can improve a car's fuel economy by as much as 5 percent, depending on what tyres are being replaced.
Bridgestone first launched the Ecopia line in 1991 for electric vehicles and since then has developed the concept further for both passenger and commercial vehicles. It introduced the line in North America in 2009.
The Leaf has no spare tyre; it is equipped with a tyre repair kit instead.
The four-door, five-passenger Leaf hatchback is rated to deliver a range of 100 miles per charge. It's expected to retail for $32,780, but prices could be as much as $7,000 lower depending on credits offered.
From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)
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