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Bridgestone at IAA 2018

Summary
Bridgestone at IAA 2018

Bridgestone premieres leading-edge products and solutions offering ultimate efficiency, convenience and sustainability at IAA 2018

As the world’s number one tyre and rubber company[1], Bridgestone is committed to identifying and solving the challenges faced by fleets every day through premium tyres, technologies and services.

In a business and world in rapid transformation, Bridgestone is pioneering new products, technologies and digital solutions to respond to fleets, Original Equipment Manufacturers and key customers’ needs for convenient, sustainable and efficient solutions while helping shape the future of mobility.

At IAA 2018, Bridgestone will premiere new cutting-edge offerings complementing its premium range of tyres and mobility solutions.

New leading-edge tyres and solutions for fleets

Fleets today need products and services that are efficient, convenient and sustainable.

This year’s IAA will see Bridgestone introduce its new generation of Ecopia tyres for truck and bus. Developed and tested in partnership with Bridgestone’s fleet customers across Europe, this new Ecopia range will lower fleets’ operational costs all year-round by significantly reducing fuel consumption, and with the unique benefit of excellent wet grip and uncompromised mileage. As always, these new tyres are designed for multiple lives by retreading them with the Bandag process.

Bridgestone will also premiere a new vehicle maintenance solution for fleet customers at IAA. Using digital technologies, this leading-edge offering will provide fleets with data-based insights that ensure vehicle uptime and limit the common challenges of day-to-day operations.

New interfaces bring superior benefits to fleets and partners

Bridgestone is also announcing that, as of 2019, truck and bus tyres will start to be supplied with electronic tagging system RFID (radio-frequency identification).

The addition of RFID will bring further value to fleet customers by enhancing the traceability of their tyre casings and providing a time-efficient and accurate system for data sharing and entry. Customers will be able to freely access their report findings, which will ultimately help to educate the business and optimise their total cost of ownership.

RFID will be used across all Bridgestone’s interfaces and will bring significant value to their tyre management systems for fleets of commercial vehicles, today better known as ‘Total Tyre Care’.[2] Available at the 2,100 member-dealers of the Bridgestone Partner network, ‘Total Tyre Care’ ensures optimal safety and reduces tyre-related and maintenance costs while keeping fleet vehicles operating at maximum efficiency.

A firm grip on the future

These latest solutions are just the beginning as Bridgestone leads people into the future of mobility. Macro trends such as climate change and digitalisation, and the growing influence of CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric), combine to present new challenges. Bridgestone’s experts are constantly working behind the scenes to develop cutting-edge digital mobility solutions through a combination of innovation, partnerships and research. Visitors at IAA 2018 will be able to witness first-hand some of the areas Bridgestone is working on to provide fleets with safe, efficient, convenient and sustainable solutions for the future.

Bridgestone’s smart corner concept will be showcasing the revolutionary ologic™ technology, applied for the very first time as a concept on truck and bus tyres. Developed for electric vehicles, ologic technology uses a larger diameter and narrower tread to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency, all without compromising safety.

Also being shown at IAA will be Firestone Industrial Products’ ground-breaking Airide™ Pro air damping technology. Designed for trailer applications, the Airide Pro ensures true body and axle control to provide improved ride quality, longer tyre life and reduced total cost of ownership.

Visit the Bridgestone booth (Hall 16, Stand C01) and attend the press conference (September 19th at 9.15 AM, at Bridgestone booth) to discover more about these pioneering mobility solutions, technologies and products.


[1] Based on 2016 tyre sales. Source: Tire Business 2017 – Global Tire Company Rankings.

[2] including Tirematics, Fleetbridge, Basys, Toolbox and Insights.

New Bridgestone Ecopia H002 to help fleets lower their total cost of ownership, even in challenging conditions

Delivering best in class fuel efficiency and wet traction, the latest generation of Ecopia tyres provide ground-breaking performance throughout the year[i]

Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, has announced the launch of its latest generation of fuel-efficient Ecopia tyres. Applying an innovative pattern concept and newly developed compound technology, the new Ecopia H002 tyres enable long haul fleets to reduce their total cost of ownership through best-in-class fuel efficiency – with no compromise on mileage.[i] They also achieve outstanding wet-weather performance[ii] and offer year-round convenience through full compliance with European winter legislations.

Best in class, across the board

At 30 per cent of all expenses, fuel is by far the biggest operating cost for long haul fleets.[iii] And not just that, the industry today is also faced with increasingly challenging EU CO2 emission regulations and the recurrent concerns for road safety especially in bad weather conditions. The latest generation of Ecopia tyres have been designed to answer these everyday challenges.

The new Ecopia H002 achieve best in class fuel efficiency through an EU label A-A-A grade combination in steer, drive and trailer. By using new Ecopia tyres on steer, drive, trailer axles, an average long haul fleet would be able to make more than a €200,000 saving per year on fuel costs and reduce their CO2 emissions by 546 tonnes per year.[iv]

And alongside the benefits in fuel efficiency, the latest generation of Ecopia tyres are also designed to keep trucks going and drivers safe in highly challenging wet-weather conditions. The tyres offer best in class wet traction that outperforms all competitors – as tested and proven by TÜV SÜD. The new Ecopia also achieved outstanding ratings for wet grip, with a EU label B-B-B grade combination in steer, drive and trailer.[v]

And beyond just wet weather, the new Ecopia generation are fully winter ready as the only tyres for long haul fleets with 3PMSF and M+S markings available in all positions throughout the vehicle. This means that the range is compliant with all winter legislations across Europe and fleets can therefore enjoy convenience and peace of mind throughout the year.

The new generation of Ecopia tyres has also been certified by TÜV SÜD Tyre Test Mark for its quality and safety. This achievement applies to each individual tyre: steer, drive and trailer.

Bridgestone’s holistic approach to fuel saving

New Ecopia H002 will be launched in September 2018 with 315/70R22.5 steer/drive and 385/55R22.5 trailer, with four more products available by the end of 2018. The full line-up, including the 60” series, will be completed in 2019 to cover all main long-haul sizes.

The new Ecopia range is the latest initiative in Bridgestone’s holistic approach to maximising the fuel efficiency of its fleet customers. Combined with Bandag’s fuel-smart retread line FuelTech®, the tyre monitoring system Tirematics and the comprehensive tyre management service for commercial fleets, Total Tyre Care, Ecopia H002 can provide customers with peace of mind as they look to reduce operational costs.

Paolo Ferrari, CEO and President Bridgestone EMEA, said: “At Bridgestone, through our strong customer-centric approach, our large and growing service network and insights delivered by our ‘Total Tyre Care’ tyre management systems, we understand the needs of fleets better than anyone else. In an industry and world in rapid transformation, fleets are increasingly looking for efficiency, sustainability, safety and convenience. Co-created and tested over 14 million kilometres with key fleet customers across Europe, the new Ecopia H002 tyres will enable our customers to achieve all four by reducing operational costs, C02 emissions and providing consistent performance all year round.”

Visit the Bridgestone booth (Hall 16, Stand C01) at IAA to discover more about the new generation of Ecopia tyres as well as Bridgestone’s other pioneering mobility solutions, technologies and products.


[i] A grade fuel efficiency in 315/70R22.5 and 385/55R22.5 sizes according to European Tyre Labelling Regulation. Same mileage performance versus previous generation products based on internal field evaluation performed in 2017 & 2018.

[ii] B grade wet grip in 315/70R22.5 and 385/55R22.5 sizes according to European Tyre Labelling Regulation. Best in class wet traction according to wet hill climb test performed by TÜV SUD in July-August’18, by the request of Bridgestone Europe. Competitor products in test: Goodyear Fuelmax D, Continental Ecoplus HD3, Michelin X-Line Energy D2, Pirelli TH:01. Report number:713136052-7

[iii] ACEA Position Paper: Future CO₂ standards for heavy duty vehicles, April 2018.

[iv] Financial savings and CO2 reduction versus previous generation Ecopia H001. Difference in fuel consumption and CO2 emission between Ecopia H002 and Ecopia H001 according to Vecto tool for 4x2 tractor and trailer combination .Annual savings projected for an entire fleet based on the following assumptions: fleet size of 150 tractors and 150 trailers, 130,000 km annual mileage per truck, diesel price €1.2/l.

[v] B grade wet grip in 315/70R22.5 and 385/55R22.5 sizes according to European Tyre Labelling Regulation. Best in class wet traction according to wet hill climb test performed by TÜV SUD in July-August’18, by the request of Bridgestone Europe. Competitor products in test: Goodyear Fuelmax D, Continental Ecoplus HD3, Michelin X-Line Energy D2, Pirelli TH:01. Report number:713136052-7

Bridgestone helps fleets to protect the health of their vehicles with FleetPulse, a cutting-edge digital maintenance solution

Designed to simplify fleet operations, increase time on the road and reduce maintenance costs

Bridgestone, the world’s largest tyre and rubber company, announced the launch of FleetPulse, its three-in-one solution composed of a mobile app, a centralised website and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) hardware. With vehicle downtime still one of the biggest challenges faced by businesses today, FleetPulse improves transparency into vehicle health to significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected, costly and potentially dangerous breakdowns, thus increasing time on the roads while ensuring high safety standards. FleetPulse, which automates roadworthiness checks, will also help fleets to simplify their operations and reduce maintenance costs – two other key challenges for fleets.

Shining a light onto unseen issues

The digital revolution has changed how the world thinks about mobility and is paving the way for a new generation of solutions. Through advancements in sensor and connected technologies, we now have unseen insights into vehicle performance.

FleetPulse provides fleet customers with these insights to help them understand what is happening with their fleets and simplify life on the road for drivers. With the designated FleetPulse Android app, drivers and technicians have an easy-to-use platform to complete roadworthiness checks for their vehicles. Replacing what is currently a manual process, the FleetPulse app ensures that nothing is missed by making sure that all necessary checks are made.

Then, through the centralised FleetPulse online portal, fleet and maintenance managers can access status updates for their entire fleet via the cloud – including defects and damage, as well as performance data. They can then make individual requests to drivers and technicians – including new checklists, service bookings and even the removal of vehicles from the road – directly through notifications from the FleetPulse app.

Now, drivers, technicians and fleet managers can also benefit from new insights into tyre health thanks to FleetPulse. The service comes with TPMS hardware for the vehicle – consisting of Tirematics sensors and a dongle. Connecting to the vehicle’s TPMS, FleetPulse automatically collects data on tyre pressure, before relaying the results back to drivers and managers through the FleetPulse app and online dashboard in real-time. This helps to ensure tyre pressure is optimised, which is essential given that that 30% of breakdowns are caused by low tyre pressure, 90% of tyre-related breakdowns are caused by slow leakers and 20% of commercial tyres on the road are significantly underinflated.[i] By ensuring appropriate tyre pressure is maintained, FleetPulse avoids breakdowns, excessive wear and unnecessary fuel burn – cutting unwanted tyre costs and CO2 emissions.

For any driver, anywhere, anytime

Today FleetPulse is the only solution on the market combining vehicle checks, booking services, fleet management and TPMS in a single platform, all while enabling real-time communication between drivers, technicians and fleet managers via the cloud. FleetPulse

can be used anytime, by any driver, across all tyre brands, and is available on Android devices.

The FleetPulse app and TPMS hardware will be available on the market from September 2018, with a free trial period. The TPMS hardware will be available online as well as from selected retailers. Its cost would be amortised within a year, based on the assumption that a typical tractor and trailer combination running at optimal tyre pressure can save, on average, up to 1,100 euros per year in fuel, tyre and breakdown costs.[ii]

Paolo Ferrari, CEO and President of Bridgestone EMEA, commented on the announcement, “At Bridgestone, we’re dedicated to understanding and addressing the real, daily challenges that drivers and fleet managers face. Digitalisation gives us new and exciting ways to do precisely that, and I’m proud that Fleetpulse is our latest example. Our pioneering use of data and technology, alongside our leading investments in R&D and our relentless focus on the customer, mean we’re rapidly realising value from mobility solutions that deliver greater-than-ever efficiency, convenience and sustainability.”

Learn more about FleetPulse on https://fleetpulse.app.

Visit the Bridgestone booth (Hall 16, Stand C01) to discover more about FleetPulse as well as Bridgestone’s other pioneering mobility solutions, technologies and products.


[i] Based on internal data, field evaluation and tests conducted with Bridgestone’s research and development facilities.

[ii] 500 euros a year in fuel consumption, 200 euros a year in tyre costs and 800 euros over two years in breakdown costs. Based on internal data, field evaluation and tests conducted with Bridgestone’s research and development facilities.

Media information: For more information about this release, contact Ben Smallman on 07833 463195 or ben@smallmanmedia.com

About Bridgestone in Europe, Middle East and Africa

We're the EMEA business of the world’s number one tyre and rubber company. For almost 90 years, we've been providing the confidence to get people and goods where they need to go as conveniently as possible, without interruption. That’s as true today as ever and means we’re trusted where it matters most: where the vehicle meets the road. We’re brilliant chemists, engineers and data scientists with some of Europe’s most advanced factories, world-beating technology, and leading R&D investments. We’re uncompromisingly focused on providing real solutions to the real problems that drivers face on the road every day. We keep them going, no matter what.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit www.bridgestone.co.uk and http://www.bridgestone.co.uk/tyre-talk/category/news/. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.