Bridgestone Europe has introduced two new truck steer-axle tyres, R249 EVO and the R297 EVO, to meet stricter European emission levels.
The move anticipates an increased front-axle load for trucks due to the addition of new ‘clean’ technologies, notably SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), in compliance with Euro V and VI emission regulations.
Bridgestone has designed the R249 EVO and R297 EVO steer tyres to support this higher load capacity – but without sacrificing the safety, durability and cost efficiency of Bridgestone premium truck tyres. Importantly for operators, these EVO tyres enable trucks to improve their environmental performance without compromising vehicle chassis height.
The R249 EVO highway tyre and R297 EVO regional tyre are designed to carry a load of 8 tons per axle in the 315/70R 22.5 size and 7.5 tons in size 315/60R 22.5. The Bridgestone R297 EVO is currently the only regional tyre able to carry 8 tons per axle.
Bridgestone has achieved this breakthrough by applying its Waved Belt and Turn-in-Ply Bead technologies, which increase durability and support higher load capacities.
Other features of the R249 EVO and R297 EVO remain identical to the standard load index range, providing superior handling, steering and wet safety combined with an unbeatable total cost per kilometre.
Both these EVO steer tyres are available as original equipment and replacements from January 2010. Renault and Volvo trucks have already fitted the R249 EVO and R297 EVO and Scania is currently completing homologation.
“Bridgestone was able to meet the high standards set by Renault, Volvo and Scania and has already been selected to supply these new EVO tyres as original equipment” said Hirotaka MIGITA, Director Commercial Products, Bridgestone Europe.
