AKRON (Nov. 28, 2005) — Goodyear, Bridgestone/Firestone and Michelin North America Inc. will have tire products featured next month in a top 100 new product ranking by Construction Equipment magazine.
Launched in January, Goodyear's DuraSeal commercial tire technology is designed to seal punctures when they occur, greatly reducing vehicle downtime and service calls. The technology uses a gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire. It can seal punctures up to a quarter-inch in the tread area, Goodyear said.
The DuraSeal technology was named the editor´s choice in the ancillary division of products, the magazine´s editor said.
Also, Bridgestone/Firestone will be honored for its Bridgestone VRQP, V-Steel rock quarry premium radial tire for haul trucks. The tire features extra-deep tread for longer life, an innovative tread design for improved traction and reinforced shoulder design for reduced sidewall damage.
Michelin will be recognized for its X-Super Terrain AD for articulated dump trucks working on very aggressive soils. Michelin said the tire is designed to increase productivity, guarantee constant mobility and decrease operating costs. The tire maker claims the product delivers 10- to 20-percent longer life through its deeper tread and durable rubber compound.
Rod Sutton, editor of Construction Equipment, said the magazine considers about 700 product introductions in compiling the annual list, which has been assembled for nearly 20 years. The publication considers four main criteria for featured products: advancements in technology; completely new product lines; significant improvements to existing products; or products that increase competition in the field.
Mr. Sutton said tires are frequently on the list. “They're key to our (readers),” he told Tire Business.