Bridgestone developed new winter commercial vehicle tires

The Bridgestone Corporation has expanded its range of truck tires by adding the Bridgestone Duravis Winter Drive model for the drive axle, designed for warm winter conditions and aimed at helping fleets reduce their operating costs due to improved ride and economy.

Compared to the previous generation tires — Bridgestone RW-Drive 001 — the mileage has been increased by 15%, while the rolling resistance, affecting fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, has been reduced by 3%, and the company emphasizes that the novelty is also designed to maintain a high level of traction on snow throughout its entire life cycle, thereby reducing the likelihood of equipment downtime.

Duravis Winter Drive tires feature a new tread pattern and rubber compound, as well as the use of the Enliten technology package, which allows for improved environmental friendliness of tires without compromising other characteristics. The stability of parameters over wear is ensured by the new lamella geometry, while the increased contact patch and tread depth, combined with varying groove angles, extend the life of the tires, and the interlocking lamellas in the central zone and modified compound reduce rolling resistance.

To further reduce customer costs and environmental impact, the tires are designed for multiple retreadings, which increase their service life and reduce waste. Additionally, the tires are also equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for quick identification.

"Now, more than ever, European fleets need tires that perform predictably and reliably while also helping to reduce operating costs," said Vakas Ahmad, Vice President of Truck and Bus Tires at Bridgestone EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). "That's why we've developed a tire that delivers consistent efficiency from the first to the last kilometer."

The Bridgestone Duravis Winter Drive will be launched in Europe in May, and initially, the 315/80 R22.5 size will be available, with additional sizes to be released in August.