NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 19, 2008) – Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) announced its Greatec wide base drive and Greatec wide base trailer radials have been added to the EPA SmartWay-certified list of commercial tires. Besides meeting SmartWay’s fuel efficiency specifications, Greatec radials offer the additional advantage of allowing fleets to increase payloads.
Last summer, four Bridgestone-brand commercial truck tires were approved for EPA-certified SmartWay tractors and trailers. The R287 steer, R280 steer, M720 drive and R195F trailer radials and now Greatec drive and Greatec trailer radials have earned EPA SmartWay certification for helping fleets increase fuel economy. Tires that earn EPA SmartWay certification must achieve at least three percent better fuel economy than the average new tire.
In 2004, SmartWay created a long-term initiative for shippers and carriers of all sizes to improve fuel economy and reduce tailpipe emissions. The program helps fleets make the right choices when spec’ing for optimum fuel efficiency including recommendations for both new and replacement tires. Fleets participating in the SmartWay program are urged to use SmartWay-certified tires for the life of their equipment. BFNT truck and bus tire group will display its EPA-certified tires in the SmartWay booth at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY, March 27-29, 2008. The tires will be displayed in booth #13072 in the new Pavilion.
Greatec wide-base radials are also ideal for weight-conscious fleets, like bulk haulers, flatbed haulers and fleets who tend to “gross out” before they “cube out;” meaning the vehicle’s gross weight limit is reached while there is still cargo room left over. Because Greatec wide base tires weigh less than the dual assemblies they replace, these fleets may be able to convert weight saved into extra revenue-producing payload.
Greatec drive radials have a 26/32″ tread depth and a pattern that resembles the popular Bridgestone brand M726 EL drive radials. The tread incorporates solid shoulder ribs to combat side forces that can lead to irregular wear and a stiff, staggered tread block design to resist “heel-and-toe” wear. Greater trailer radials have a 14/32″ tread depth and a pattern similar to the ultra-economical R195F trailer radial. They also feature Bridgestone’s pattern Equalizer Rib TM and Defense GrooveTM features for even wear and longer mileage. Tough sidewall ribs fight curbing damage to protect the casing.
Both Greatec radials are built using Bridgestone’s patented Waved BeltTM design which balances stiffness and resiliency to provide a very strong, stable casing that, in turn, produces a remarkably stable footprint shape throughout the life of the tire.
Greatec’s newest technology increases bead durability. Its T.I.P.TM (Turn-In Ply) design removes the ply end from harm’s way, wrapping it around the bead bundle an innovation that promotes a stronger, more resilient bead.
In 2005, Bridgestone Firestone’s own fleet volunteered as an EPA SmartWay shipper-carrier, committing to improve fuel economy and reduce tailpipe emissions. For information on the SmartWay program, visit www.epa.gov/smartway.
For product information on Greatec drive and trailer radials, visit www.BridgestoneTrucktires.com or call 1-888-694-0469 for a free product brochure.
About Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off the road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.
About Bridgestone Firestone Truck & Bus Tire Group:
Bridgestone Firestone Truck & Bus Tire Group, a division of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC, produces medium and heavy duty truck tires for the original equipment and replacement markets. Bridgestone and Firestone brand truck tires are available through more than 2,500 dealers and truck stops across America. Around the world, top truck fleets and original equipment manufacturers rely on Bridgestone and Firestone brand tires for long tread life and low cost per mile.
