Mar 2012: Yokohama Launches Latest ‘Orange-Oil’ Technology Tyre in US Markets
Yokohama announced that their newest orange oil technology tyres will become available in the US markets from the 1st of March 2012. Called the Avid Ascend, this tyre will represent a range of all season tyres incorporating the company’s innovative orange oil technology.
The Details
Company officials revealed that the Avid Ascend range will cater to a variety of vehicles including cars, crossovers and mini vans. The company also confirmed that at launch, the Avid Ascend will be available in 45 sizes ranging from 15 -18 inches in diameter. The available speed ratings are T, H and V.
Benefits of the Avid Ascend
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Dan King, Sr. Vice President Sales and Marketing, Yokohama said that the Avid Ascend will deliver exceptional all-season performance with excellent tread life and remarkable fuel efficiency. All these factors have been made possible due to the use of the orange oil technology that creates a unique rubber compound. According to Mr. King, the biggest advantage is that all this is achieved with exceptionally low noise levels so that drivers (and passengers) can experience a quiet ride.
Features of the Avid Ascend
The Avid Ascend gets Yokohama’s proprietary 3D sipes that produce a more even tread wear by increasing the block rigidity. As a result wet and winter traction are also improved. The tread profile is optimized to reduce rolling resistance that results in improved fuel efficiency. Grip is maximized by the presence of cross grooves and deep circumferential grooves, which also help in more rapid water evacuation.
Ascend is Part of Yokohama’s BluEarth Umbrella
The BluEarth brand is Yokohama’s global environment philosophy and contains products and processes that are environment friendly. The Ascend tyre is first replacement tyre in the Blue Earth basket. The orange oil technology is an important component of the BluEarth umbrella. The very first tyre using orange oil technology, the dB Super E Spec was launched in the US in 2008. The technology has now been extended by the company for production of tyres on a mass scale. The result is the Avid Ascend.
BluEarth in Europe
Incidentally, Yokohama launched its first BluEarth tyre in Europe, the BlueEarth-1 last year. This March will see the launch of the BluEarth AE-01 range in Europe. These fuel efficient, environment friendly tyres will be suitable for fitment on standard passenger cars.
Yokohama Shares Independent Test Study Results
Yokohama shared the results of an independent test comparing the Avid Ascend with a similar competitor. The tests examined the areas of durability (tread wear), rolling resistance and carbon dioxide emissions.
The tests revealed that the Ascend can last upto 6000 miles more than the competitor, indicating greater durability and more even tread wear.
With regard to rolling resistance, it was shown that Ascend has 11% lower rolling resistance than the competitor. This can translate into significant cost savings over fuel. The cost savings are further enhanced by the increased durability of the tyre.
Finally, the Ascend was shown to produce significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions, making it a truly environment friendly tyre.