Yokohama develops fuel-saving inner liner

Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has developed a new inner liner, the Airtex Advanced Liner, that will improve the fuel-saving performance of its eco-friendly consumer tires.

The technology consists of a special resin added to conventional inner-liner rubber to create a "highly impermeable" and flexible barrier that prevents air leakage.

"It is only one-fifth as thick as conventional products, which contributes to making tires lighter and overall, more fuel efficient," say Yokohama officials.