AKRON (Oct. 3, 2014) — Goodyear is claiming its latest drive tire, the Fuel Max LHD G505D, is the most fuel-efficient long-haul truck drive tire in North America, offering potential savings of up to $1,444 in fuel per truck per year vs. leading competitors.
“Fuel is the No. 1 cost for trucking fleets,” said Brian Buckham, general manager, product marketing, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems. “Goodyear has rewritten the book on fuel efficiency with the Goodyear Fuel Max LHD G505D. This tire is a must-have for fleets that are serious about reducing their cost-per-mile.”
Goodyear claims the Fuel Max LHD G505D can save, on average, $1,444 worth of fuel per truck, per year, compared with the Michelin X Line Energy D, in size 275/80R22.5 LR G.
Additionally, Goodyear said the new Fuel Max can save, on average: $896 of fuel per truck, per year, compared with the Continental EcoPlus HD3, size 295/75R22.5 LR G, and $672 of fuel per truck, per year, compared with the Bridgestone M710 Ecopia, size 295/75R22.5 LR G.
The Fuel Max is available in one size, 295/75R22.5 Load Range G, with a tread depth of 24/32nd inch. The Bridgestone M710 Ecopia and Continental EcoPlus HD3 have tread depths of 26/32nd inch while the Michelin X Line Energy D's tread depth is 23/32nd inch, according to their respective on-line data sheets.
Akron-based Goodyear said the comparisons are based on the projected fuel cost savings of a single Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck that averages 6.5 miles per gallon and travels 120,000 miles in a year, with diesel fuel priced at $4 per gallon.
Michelin North America Inc. countered Goodyear's claim, saying Goodyear did not choose Michelin's most efficient options, the XDA Energy in a dual fitment and the X One Line Energy D wide-base-single fitment.
Bridgestone Americas and Continental Tire the Americas L.L.C. both said they were studying Goodyear's claims and considering responses.