Goodyear announces the launch of its Urbanmax Commuter, the latest addition to its range for passenger transport. This tire benefits from specific characteristics to meet the growing demand of the interurban sector.
The Goodyear Urbanmax Commuter benefits from “Electric Drive Ready” technology, adapted to electric buses. ©Goodyear
For his 125e anniversary, Goodyear intends to develop its expertise in the passenger transport business, particularly in the interurban segment. This activity continues to grow, observes the manufacturer. According to the latter, several studies predict an increase in demand for bus and coach services over the next four years in Europe, with an average annual growth rate of 4.44% until 2027.
On the tire side, sales follow the same curve. In France, this segment recorded a 7.3% increase in volumes in 2022. In the passenger transport sector, Goodyear estimates the long-distance market share at 54%, ahead of urban (27%) and long-distance (19%). “The urban pulls the market. Needs are growing with the creation of new lines“, confirms Gregory BricheDirector of Sales for the EMEA Industrial Division.
Better mileage
It is to meet the expectations of this market, driven by major accounts with significant resources (Transdev, RATP, Keolis, etc.), that the American manufacturer designed the Urbanmax Commuter. Inserted between the tire for coaches (long distance) and that for buses (urban), this new product benefits from specific characteristics for intercity. Offered in a single size (295/80 R 22.5), this tire is suitable for all positions and all roads. Practical for simplifying the management of envelopes for fleet operators.
Thanks to its robustness and reinforced sidewalls (with wear indicators), the Urbanmax Commuter can cope with difficult service conditions (curbs, bends, roundabouts, etc.). The tire’s IntelliMax grooves with stiffeners help preserve the tread.
Another special feature: its Flexomatic sipes and tread blocks that fit together to optimize traction and braking distances. The tire also has low rolling resistance, improving the vehicle’s mileage. On the strength of these properties, the envelope also obtains the grade C on the European labeling. It therefore does better than the Goodyear Urbanmax MCA (295/80R22.5) and its D rating.
An all-season tire
While fleets are all faced with energy transition imperatives, Goodyear has also made its Urbanmax Commuter a tire adapted to the requirements of electric motors. It thus offers a load capacity per axle of 8 tonnes (i.e. a load index of 156/149). An indispensable asset for modern electric buses. Last practical aspect of the mount: it receives the 3PMSF marking for winter use. This allows transporters to run all year round.
To facilitate the management of its new tires, Goodyear has equipped them with an RFID chip. Enough to help service providers, dealers and fleet operators who can receive precise information on envelopes. These chips also provide better casing monitoring, particularly during the regrooving and retreading phases. This technological device is part of Goodyear Total Mobility, the portfolio of solutions offered by the manufacturer to offer tailor-made fleet management.
