TOKYO (April 14, 2016) — Toyota Motor Corp. has selected low rolling-resistance tires from Bridgestone Corp., Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd. and Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. as OE fitments on the latest version of its Prius hybrid car.
The 2016 Prius, the fourth generation of Toyota's most popular hybrid model, is larger and more fuel efficient that previous models, Toyota said. The car maker is offering four models, all powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with the company's hybrid drive.
The latest Prius offers combined mileage ratings of 52 to 56 mpg, depending on body style and fitments, up from the previous generation. Toyota claims the fuel-efficiency gains resulted from smaller and lighter components in the hybrid system, denser batteries that pack more energy and a more efficient internal-combustion engine.
Toyota said it opted for low rolling-resistance tires as OE to help maximize the hybrid's mileage claims. Depending on model, the sizes are 195/65R15 or 215/45R17.
The auto maker selected two Bridgestone tires — the Ecopia and Turanza — depending on market. For North America, the fitment is the Ecopia EP 422 Plus in sizes 195/65R15 89S and 215/45R17 87V, according to Bridgestone. European and Japanese customers get either the Ecopia EP150 or Turanza T002.
Toyota is using four versions of Toyo's NanoEnergy fuel-efficient tire line, depending on market, with the A29 designated for North America in size 195/65R15 89S. Priuses sold in Japan and Europe are fitted with the J59 and J61, respectively, in the 15-inch size and the R41 in in both markets in the 17-inch size.
Yokohama is equipping the Prius with two versions of its BluEarth line and one of its Aspec line. Customers in North America will see the BluEarth S34 all-season model in the 17-inch fitment while cars sold in Japan, Oceania and Europe will get the BluEarth E70 summer tire in the 17-inch fitment.
Cars sold in other countries will get the Aspec A349 in the 15-inch fitment.
BluEarth is Yokohama's designation for tires developed with the underlying concept of being “environmentally, human and socially friendly.”
Sumitomo's fitment — for models sold only in Japan — is the Dunlop Enasave EC300+, which the tire maker said incorporates various fuel-efficient tire technologies developed for the entire Dunlop Enasave series of environmentally friendly tires.