Goodyear Introduces Super Single Tire for Severe Duty Applications

AKRON, Ohio, May 9, 2011 — Bigger, better and enhanced mileage is the mantra for Goodyear’s newest super single tire, designed for tough and severe-duty vocational applications.

The G278 MSD replaces Goodyear’s popular G178 Super Single and adds up to enhanced mileage, thanks to a one-inch larger footprint, deeper tread depth and special compounding.

Available in 385, 425, and 445/65R sizes in 22.5, the G278 MSD is a versatile, all-position performer in on/off highway applications, including construction, concrete, oil service, and logging.

The rugged criss-cross tread design helps provide exceptional off-road traction, while it helps to pump away water from the tread for enhanced grip. The tread design also offers a quiet ride, while the tire’s grooved angles with full-width interlocking groove protectors help keep stones from imbedding and drilling into the tread. Special compounding helps resist cuts, chips and tears, leading to increased time in service.

“For our customers working in an on/off highway applications, they know the importance of having tires rugged enough to help resist cuts and damage caused by rocks,” said Donn Kramer, Goodyear’s director of marketing for commercial tires. “It’s an area where our engineers put in extra emphasis in the design of the G278 MSD. Their work was validated at our San Angelo Proving Grounds where our rock-cut tests verified the G278 MSD performance. This extra boost offers the potential for a longer lasting tire and lower cost-per-mile for our customers.”

Dovetailing with tire strength is the G278 MSD’s 30/32-inch tread depth for enhanced miles to removal.

“This, coupled with deep and wide circumferential grooves with more than 500 biting edges, helps provide all-season traction on wet, snowy and dry roads,” said Kramer. “Plus, we have a 68-mph speed rating on these tires.”

Because the G278 MSD has a greater net footprint than other tires in its class, pressure distribution is maximized, which enhances even wear. “And, to further achieve even wear, we conducted zonal analysis of the tread design to help optimize performance,” said Kramer.

To help keep tire costs lower for operators, the G278 MSD will come with matching retreads in three sizes, beginning in June.

“Our precure retreads will feature the same tread design as well as tread depth as the G278 MSD,” said Kramer. “The one-two punch in our retreading program is the tread and casing of the G278 MSD. Since the tire is constructed with a high tensile steel radial casing, featuring steel belts, the G278 MSD offers customers the potential for multiple retreads and a way to help reduce tire cost through years of superior performance.”

Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems offer complete products and services to the trucking and bus industries, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. This includes the 24/7 fleetHQ Solution Center, national programs, tire management tools, online information access and business problem-solving for tomorrow’s trucking and bus fleets. For more information on Goodyear’s commercial tires, visit the Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems’ web site.