RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Falken Tire Corp. has announced that it has begun implementing a group of innova-tive design features developed by its Japanese parent company, Ohtsu Tire & Rubber Co. The new design, known as A.P.P.L.E.-Advanced Pioneering Performance by Leading Engineering, was developed to improve performance, fuel economy and passenger comfort, while reducing environmental and noise pollution, Falken said.
A.P.P.L.E. is built on five progressive design theories, the company said:
``Stress control'' for improved stability, durability and fuel economy;
A new bead design for improved tire roundness, resulting in less vibration and greater riding comfort;
``Contact shape opti-mization'' for improved driving stability and enhanced wear resistance;
A new noise-reduction treatment; and
New wear and tear techniques for enhanced grip and wear resistance.
Falken said the new design has successfully been applied to a portion of its summer '96 line-up, including all 14 sizes of the ZE-502 (ZIEX Tire) line.
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