Fulda EcoControl: The Right Choice for Smart Buyers
More mileage and shorter braking distances on wet
Brussels, Belgium, March 31, 2007 – Fulda, one of Germany's leading tyre manufacturers, announced the introduction of EcoControl – a new summer tyre for smart buyers who are looking for high mileage and don't want to make any compromises on driving control. With its new asymmetric design and its innovative silica tread compound EcoControl maximises grip, reduces fuel consumption and increases the mileage performance significantly.
"EcoControl was developed with the needs and economic demands of car drivers in mind. This is reflected in the naming of the tyre. As ‘Eco' underlines economic advantages, ‘Control’ refers to the excellent grip properties," explained Alain Klepper, Fulda Brand Marketing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
New silica compound for more grip and shorter braking distances on wet roads
The new Fulda EcoControl has been optimized to offer maximum grip especially on wet roads. The performance of a tyre in wet driving conditions is influenced by the ability of the rubber compound to adapt itself to the road surface. With its newly developed silica wet grip compound Fulda EcoControl maximises the tyre to road contact area and offers a higher level of grip.
When touching the road the rubber blocks of the tyre tread are deformed at very high frequencies and a part of the energy turns into heat. The more energy the rubber is able to absorb at these high frequencies, the better the rubber blocks adapt to small stones and unevenness of the road surface. EcoControl's wet grip compound is able to absorb a significant amount of energy at high frequencies, which are particularly pronounced when braking. As a result it offers excellent grip and shorter braking distances especially on wet roads.
In addition, the numerous radial tread grooves ensure the necessary traction when driving and braking on wet surfaces. The high number of biting edges creates a paddle effect. This effect allows the Fulda EcoControl to 'bite' into the road surface and provide an even shorter braking distance.
"Most drivers of small and medium size vehicles expect a tyre which they can rely on especially in emergency situations like stopping before an obstacle – particularly in rainy weather," said Klepper.
High mileage
Besides the braking performance of the tyre, mileage is one of the most important criteria mentioned by the drivers of small and mid ranged cars. The Fulda EcoControl is designed for an outstanding mileage performance and therefore offers long lasting performance.
In comparison with its predecessor the tread contour of the EcoControl has been further optimized. The new flatter tyre contour and the increased tread width ensure a uniform ground pressure distribution which reduces pressure peaks. As a result the EcoControl wears evenly and offers higher mileage.
Compared to the predecessor the tread depth of the Fulda EcoControl has been increased by 10%. At the same time, the new silica tread compound reduces the internal molecular friction and heat generation, causing less wear. The increased tread depth together with the new cool running compound offers more usable rubber, leading to a higher total mileage.
Internal mileage tests have shown that EcoControl has a 19% improved mileage versus its predecessor.
This represents a considerable saving potential for the total car maintenance budget because the driver gets more kilometres out of one set of Fulda EcoControl tyres.
Low rolling resistance leads to low fuel consumption
"With fuel prices increasing almost every month in most European countries, consumers are looking more and more for possibilities to reduce their fuel consumption. The new Fulda EcoControl saves fuel thanks to probably one of the best rolling resistance performances in its category", said Klepper
To develop a proper contact patch with the road surface tyres need to deform when rolling. Each time the tyre revolves and deflects it absorbs energy. Rolling resistance is a term used to describe this energy dissipation. The more energy the tread compound absorbs the higher is the tyre’s rolling resistance.
Depending on the type of car, the driver and the road conditions, the contribution of rolling resistance to fuel consumption ranges from 15 to 30%. On average each fifth tank of fuel is needed to overcome the rolling resistance forces. The lower the rolling resistance the less fuel is required to propel the vehicle forward.
Lowering the rolling resistance has traditionally meant a reduction in wet grip performance, as there are different demands for the tread compound.
Due to this contrast, until now it has seemed to be impossible to provide both a reduced rolling resistance and increased wet grip from conventional compounds.
New EcoControl silica compound combines low rolling resistance and good grip
However, the newly developed silica compound of the Fulda EcoControl reacts depending on the frequency distortion and therefore assures low energy dissipation at low frequencies and high energy dissipation at high frequencies. The Fulda EcoControl permits the reduction of rolling resistance, thereby saving fuel, without compromising on its excellent wet grip performance.
The capability of the new Fulda EcoControl to save fuel is also enhanced by the tread design. The continuous centre ribs reduce tread block movements and therefore the rolling resistance.
Aquaplaning resistance
To assure maximum tyre to road contact on wet roads the new Fulda EcoControl tread has been optimised for aquaplaning resistance.
The asymmetric tread pattern of the Fulda EcoControl provides outstanding aquaplaning resistance. Large circumferential and radial grooves assure efficient water dispersal from the tyre contact area.
On the inner side of the tyre a more open tread pattern with wider grooves maximises water dispersion.
More driving control
The new Fulda EcoControl provides a high degree of driving control thanks to its precise and predictable handling.
The stable centre area with continuous centre ribs transmits the steering movements directly and precisely to the road surface. The solid outside shoulder blocks gradually take over the transmission of the cornering forces after the initial steering input and assure safe cornering.
Low noise
Car drivers of small and mid ranged cars also demand tyres that offer a low driving noise level. The new Fulda EcoControl is a quiet tyre which allows a comfortable drive.
The tread design of the new Fulda EcoControl features different block sizes and a staggered tread block arrangement. This results in an audible reduction of the noise frequency peaks when the tread blocks meet the road and allows quiet driving comfort.
Size line up and market coverage
The new EcoControl is available in 25 sizes from 13 to 15 inch covering about 80 percent of the total T rated summer tyre market. This means that most small and medium cars can be equipped with the new Fulda EcoControl. The range will be extended with two additional 14 and15 inch rim sizes in 2008.
155/80 R13 79 T
165/80 R13 83 T
155/70 R13 75 T
165/70 R13 79 T
165/70 R13 83 T XL
175/70 R13 82 T
165/70 R14 81 T
165/70 R14 85 T XL
175/70 R14 84 T
185/70 R14 88 T
155/65 R13 73 T
165/65 R13 77 T
175/65 R13 80 T
155/65 R14 75 T
165/65 R14 79 T
175/65 R14 82 T
175/65 R14 86 T XL
185/65 R14 86 T
145/65 R15 72 T
165/65R15 81T
185/65 R15 88 T
195/65 R15 91 T
195/65 R15 95 T XL
185/60 R14 82 T
175/55 R15 77 T
About Fulda
Founded in 1900, Fulda is a German tyre maker producing quality products that provide safe, long-lasting performance offering outstanding value for money. With around 10% market share, Fulda is one of the leading brands in Germany, offering a range of top quality, reliable products for passenger car, light truck, truck and farm applications. Fulda products are designed to offer safe driving, even in the most challenging conditions. Continuous research and development programs ensure that Fulda tires are using the latest technologies and materials.