Thursday, June 08, 2017

BRIDGESTONE launches the ECOPIA EP300 - Their latest eco-tyre features improved fuel efficiency, superior wet grip and extended wear life



 Bridgestone Tyres have launched their latest eco series of tyres for the compact to mid-sized passenger cars. Called the ECOPIA EP300 Tyre, it is positioned as next generation eco-tyre that offers low rolling resistance and superior wet grip performance while delivering an extended wear life. Bridgestone claims that compared to previous ECOPIA generation (EP200), EP300 offers even further savings by traveling up to an additional up to 11.2 km per full tank.


The tyre is available in 13 sizes and is fully imported from within the ASEAN region (Bridgestone has factories in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam) and cost in the region of RM185 to RM450 per piece depending on size. There are three groove variants for the narrower sizes and a four groove for the larger sizes (here, only on the 215/17 series tyre - pictured below). Bridgestone will update the sizes available based on demand as for the smaller cars, they tyre manufacturer has a specific model called the ECOPIA EP150 which has been on sale for a while.

During a conversation with one of the people from Bridgestone he did mention that this tyre is also slightly quieter than the previous EP200 version. Its complex thread formulation is what allows it to be better than the older tyre and also thicker sidewall construction for added stability. It should also be slightly quieter as the center blocks are more balanced in width than the EP200. I could tell that they are actually proud of this latest ECOPIA. 


I also joined into a discussion with a journalist who actually used the ECOPIA EP200 and he noticed that the new tyre has deeper thread patterns than the EP200. He mentioned that the EP200 at around 60% worn wasn't grippy at all and this new pattern is a welcome change as the thread pattern does go down right to the TWI or thread wear indicator. 

The tyres should be available at all Bridgestone dealers nationwide as I type.


PRESS RELEASE
ECOPIA EP300: FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS DRIVERS WHO WANT IT ALL
New eco-tyre features improved fuel efficiency, superior wet grip and extended wear life



(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT), Ng Chee Leong (General Manager of Sales & Marketing), Jo Takekawa (Managing Director of Bridgestone Tyre Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd), Tengku Djan Ley (The Prince of Drift Malaysia),    Chen Sui Yew (Senior Manager of Consumer Tyre Sales & Marketing), Tan Sung Heng (Senior Manager of Technical Service Department).

8th June, Malaysia – With over 20 years of experience in developing state of the art technologies and technical know-how to design high performing eco oriented products, Bridgestone is proud to unveil the new Passenger Radial ECOPIA EP300 Tyre. EP300 is positioned as next generation eco-tyre that offers low rolling resistance and superior wet grip performance while delivering an extended wear life. Through the innovative design concept and engineering solutions adopted, EP300 revolutionizes and redefines the concept of an eco-tyre by bringing it to the next level as embodied in its tagline “When You Want It All”. Demanding Drivers that “Want it all” have now available in the market a product that will fully meet their expectations. 

Inherent in the ECOPIA family, EP300 is tested and proven to achieve significant fuel savings of up to 2 liters1 every full tank compared with conventional tyres. In tests comparing EP300 to previous ECOPIA generation 2 , the results demonstrate that the new technologies and design concept adopted for EP300 help to achieve an improved fuel savings, while offering drivers additional travelling distance of up to 11.2 km3 per tank and a superior wet grip performance for a safer drive

“Most drivers desire a way to achieve better fuel efficiency that translates into fuel savings. However, despite how careful drivers can be on the accelerator, if a vehicle is not equipped with the optimum eco-tyres, achieving good fuel efficiency and economy will be a challenge,” commented Tai Kawasaki, Managing Director of Bridgestone Asia Pacific Technical Center. “With the new ECOPIA EP300, we aim to bring drivers the best possible return from their vehicles while allowing them to do their part for the environment, as lower rolling resistance brings reduced CO2 emissions.” 

Fuel Efficiency 
EP300’s low rolling resistance brings fuel efficiency to the next level. This contributes to daily fuel savings and less CO2 emissions, reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint. 
Compared to previous ECOPIA generation, EP300 offers even further savings by traveling up to an additional up to 11.2 km per full tank.
Superior Wet Grip 
EP300 features enhanced NanoPro-TechTM with a new polymer that provides enhanced wet grip due to an increased contact area that grips wet road surfaces with higher frictional force at the micro-level. 
In addition, the new tread pattern contributes to anti-hydroplaning performance, better handling and reduced noise. 

Long Lasting 
Deeper lug depth on the tyre shoulder is designed to strengthen durability and increase wear resistance. EP300 features new tread design to better control tyre deformation and provide long lasting tyre life through a uniform wear pattern. Advanced Tread Pattern Design 


1 Figure shown is calculated based on the test results by TUV Rheinland Chassis Dynometer Test according to UNECE-R83 and UNECE-R101. Vehicle: Toyota Camry 
2.0G, Tyre Product: Firestone TZ700 Tyre Size: 215/60R16, Inflation Pressure: 230 kpa, Drive Condition: Urban (City). Actual savings may vary based on driving, road 
conditions, load and proper tyre maintenance. 
2 Previous ECOPIA generation refers to ECOPIA EP200. 
3 Figure shown is calculated based on the test results by TUV Rheinland Chassis Dynometer Test according to UNECE-R83 and UNECE-R101. Vehicle: Toyota Camry 2.0G, Tyre Product: ECOPIA EP200 Tyre Size: 215/60R16, Inflation Pressure: 230 kpa, Drive Condition: Urban (City). Actual additiona l travelling distance gained may vary based on driving, road condition, load and proper tyre maintenance. 
*All tests referred to in 1 & 3 were conducted using the same test driver. 











1 comment:

Unknown said...

wooww!look nice!