Goodyear's Most Successful Steer Tire Ever Hits 1 Million
AKRON, Ohio, May 18, 2006 -- Goodyear's Danville, Va., tire plant produced its 1 millionth Unisteel G395 LHS medium-truck steer tire at 3:15 a.m. today.
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Now in its third year, the G395 LHS reached this milestone four years faster than its predecessor, the G397. The G395 LHS has turned out to be Goodyear's most successful steer tire ever, a continuation of the Akron Technical Center's steer tire development.
Even prior to Goodyear's Assurance tire line introduction, the company set out to make the industry's best commercial steer tire. In the same way that engineers turned to new materials and technology to make the best car tire, commercial tire scientists used technology to energize the company's linehaul tire lineup, according to Donn Kramer, director of commercial tire marketing.
They used a unique pressure distribution groove to reduce pressure buildup on the tire shoulders, cooler running tread compounds, a barrel-shaped footprint to place more tread on the pavement, enhanced casing design for improved retread capabilities and a precision manufacturing process for better uniformity and longer tire lifespan, Kramer said.
Steer tires -- every 18-wheeler only uses two -- are difficult to make -- and make well. The tires are subject to more wear and carry heavier loads than any other tire position. They are more prone to irregular wear, particularly in the shoulder area, he said.
"The G395's milestone is significant because our customers have finally embraced a Goodyear steer tire. Dealers, fleets and truckmakers have accepted the G395 as the best steer tire in the world," Kramer said.
The steer tire is specified by International, Freightliner, Volvo and Mack Trucks.
"Fleet companies, impressed by the tire's performance, are using these steer tires to lower their cost per mile. Widespread acceptance is driving the demand for this tire," he added.
Goodyear's advances in the commercial tire area dovetail the company's efforts on passenger cars and light trucks, Kramer said. The G395 LHS steer tires and mixed-service tires featuring DuraSeal Technology represent commercial tire roles in Goodyear's turnaround.
Goodyear commercial tire systems offer complete products and services to the trucking industry, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. In addition, the company's cradle-to-grave tire and service network includes retreading, tire management tools and business solutions for tomorrow's trucking fleets. For more information on Goodyear's line of commercial tires, go to http://www.goodyear.com/truck.
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