OSAKA, Japan (Dec. 1, 2011) — Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd is introducing a new low-rolling resistance tire brand called NanoEnergy.
NanoEnergy tires will be available in a full range of sizes and models, according to Toyo, starting in the domestic Japanese market and moving progressively into overseas territories including Europe, where compulsory labeling of fuel-efficient tires is due to be introduced next autumn.
Initial products—marketed as NanoEnergy-1—are measured to offer a rolling resistance performance rating of AAA and wet grip performance rating of “b” under the Japanese Automotive Tire Manufacturers Association's (JATMA) voluntary Guideline for Tire Labeling. The next family of tires—marketed as NanoEnergy-2—have been developed for a broad range of hybrid vehicles, the company said, have only a “c” rating for wet grip, but retain the highest AAA rating for fuel economy. JATMA's wet grip index runs from “a” (the best) to “d” (lowest acceptable value).
Toyo said the new NanoEnergy “is not simply an upgraded version of the AAA-c product. It represents a new approach based on different principles of tire design.”
This report appeared in European Rubber Journal, a UK-based sister publication of Tire Business.