Eco Products line lowers operating costs by 7%

Aug. 13, 2013

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, a business unit of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC, says operators who equip their vehicles with its Firestone-brand commercial tires can save up to $1,200 a year.

During an event kicking off its Firestone Drives America Tour in Akron, Ohio, Bridgestone officials talked about their efforts to reinvigorate Firestone as the company’s mid-level truck tire brand. A key to that is its new Eco Products line.

Previously announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show, the Eco-Products line lowers operating costs by 7%, or $1,200 a year, according to Bridgestone.

The SmartWay-verified tires provide 19% longer tread life and 1% better fuel economy compared to previous Firestone products. The company credits new applications of existing technologies for the improved wear and rolling resistance of the FS591 steer, FD691 drive and FT491 all-position trailer tires.

• The FS591 steer radial combines low rolling resistance tread and an energy-saving casing design. The tire has a wide, deep tread and proprietary shoulder design for greater removal mileage and irregular wear resistance. The company’s patented sidewall technologies promote smooth wear. A continuous shoulder offers long, even wear and lower rolling resistance.

• The FD691 drive radial has a continuous shoulder design and high-rigidity tread pattern to promote long, even wear, helping increase tread life and lower rolling resistance. Flow-through design evacuates water to increase road grip. The tire’s optimized bead design and proprietary compound in the sidewall lowers rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency throughout the life cycle of the casing.

• The FT491 all-position radial uses the company’s Ulti-Rib and Defense Groove sidewall designs to combat irregular wear. Sidewall protector ribs help protect the casing from curbing damage and abrasion. The wider tread spreads the load over a larger area, distributing footprint pressure to promote long, smooth wear. The wider design also takes a full-size drive cap when retreaded for extended life.

All Eco Products tires use Bridgestone’s patented NanoPro-Tech polymers, a technology that limits energy loss for better rolling resistance and fuel efficiency.  In addition, the company says its innovative sidewall design reduces overall tire weight to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing durability.

Matt Stevenson, vice president of marketing for Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, says the Eco Products line is aimed at small business owners. “Thanks to customer feedback, our new products specifically cater to the needs of these owners — a lower cost-per-mile through long wear, fuel savings with our Firestone Eco-Products, and excellent retreadability, which extends the life of the casing.”    ■

Sports tour targets dealers, fleets and drivers

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions is promoting its new tires with the Firestone Drives America Tour, a cross-country road show that introduces the mid-level Eco Products line to dealers, fleet customers, and professional drivers; offers Class 8-CDL holders a chance to enter a sweepstakes for a Class 8 tractor; and highlights the Firestone brand.

The 2013 tour is stopping at select minor league baseball games throughout the summer and NCAA college football games in the fall. The tour is part of the company’s “Those With Drive, Drive a Firestone” brand marketing campaign. Its first stop was the minor league ballpark in Akron, Ohio, on July 16.

About the Author

Ann Neal

Ann Neal is a former senior editor at Modern Tire Dealer.