Italians, it seems, are far more generous than their European neighbours! According to a recent Fulda tyre survey, 11% of Italians would donate to charity if they were given an extra €80 to spend per year, compared to only five per cent of people in the UK, three per cent in Poland, two per cent in Germany, and only one per cent in Spain.
Nevertheless, the majority of Italians (62%) would still prefer to spend their extra money on a meal in a restaurant with their partner, 14% would invest the money, nine per cent would buy extra lottery tickets, five per cent would sign up to a Tango class and one per cent would rent a convertible car for the day. Perhaps surprisingly, Italian men were more likely to extend a helping hand to a charitable cause compared with their female counterparts.
These are the findings of a survey conducted by Fulda, a leading German tyre manufacturer. Respondents from five European nations were asked what they would do with an extra €80, which is the amount that could be saved in fuel consumption per year by fitting Fulda’s new summer tyre, EcoControl. This fuel consumption reduction finds its origin in the silica compound used in the newly launched EcoControl. In a comparison test on rolling resistance versus the most popular tyre of the mid price category, the EcoControl proved to be substantially superior allowing, on average, annual fuel economies of €80 * (TÜV rolling resistance test based on ISO test standard ISO 1864 against Firestone F590 Fuel Saver 175/65 R14 (October 2006))
In addition to reductions in fuel consumption, the EcoControl tyre is designed to be longer lasting. Its increased tread depth makes it up to 20% more durable (6,000 kilometers) than Fulda’s previous summer tyre. Thanks to its design and wet grip compound, the EcoControl tyre also reacts quickly when braking on wet surfaces, thereby giving shorter braking distances than its predecessor.
According to Alain Klepper, Marketing Director Associated Brands, Goodyear Dunlop Europe, Middle East and Africa: “The EcoControl represents an excellent combination of value and quality. It saves on fuel and is durable and reliable in all driving conditions.
"Fulda is a brand that reacts to the needs of ‘smart buyers’. These consumers are very conscious about their choices and clearly decide where they want to invest more or less money. As far as tyres are concerned, they are not prepared to compromise on any aspects of their safety but keep an eye on price, therefore demanding superior quality products that represent excellent value for money. Fulda has ensured that the research and development that goes into the EcoControl gives results that satisfy all of these exacting criteria, making EcoControl a first choice for the smart buyers.”
About the Fulda EcoControl Survey
The Fulda Survey was conducted in January 2007 by IPSOS Belgium among 5,000 people aged 15 to 64 in five European countries: Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK.
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 tyres are using the latest technologies and materials.
Regular recommendations from independent tests are proof of the high quality levels of Fulda products.