Bridgestone Ecopia Tires

The company also introduced the Ecopia EP422, an all-season, low rolling resistance tire for fuel-efficient vehicles. The Ecopia EP422 also utilizes post-consumer recycled rubber and incorporates Bridgestone’s cutting-edge NanoPro Tech Technology that contributes to fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction by controlling the interaction between polymer filler materials and other rubber materials. Both the Ecopia EP422 and the Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia are built with a new Fuel Saver Sidewall compound that lowers rolling resistance by returning more energy back to the tire (instead of generating heat) than a conventional sidewall.

In recent testing, the Ecopia EP422 demonstrated a 36 percent improvement in rolling resistance when compared with a conventional Bridgestone tire, and the Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia showed a 42 percent improvement over a conventional Bridgestone tire. The lower rolling resistance for these Ecopia tires can result in roughly 4 percent better fuel economy when compared to a conventional Bridgestone tire. That can help get savings at the pump.

The new Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 will be offered in five sizes ranging from 15 to 16 inches. Popular fitments include the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Chevy Malibu and Nissan Altima. The Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia will be offered in six sizes from 16 to 18 inches. Popular fitments include the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Lexus RX400h, Ford F-150 and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Both tires will be introduced in the US in the second quarter of 2010.

Credits: wilswong