Spaniards are the most ”love oriented’ citizens in Europe, according to a survey that asked respondents of five European countries what they associated most with the words ‘long lasting’.
The Spanish came out on top, citing ‘love’ more frequently than any of the other nationalities surveyed. Surprisingly - although only by a difference of two per cent - Spanish men chose ‘love’ more frequently than other countries. The British came a close second as the most romantic nation (31%), followed by the Germans (27%), the Italians (20%) and the Polish (19%). Other words, in order of popularity, that were considered synonymous with ‘long lasting’ included: diamonds, the Egyptian pyramids, the diesel engine, turtles, and even ‘my grandmother’, which alone received 24% of the entire European vote.
The survey was commissioned by Fulda, a leading German tyre manufacturer, to coincide with the launch of its new summer tyre, EcoControl. Respondents from around Europe were asked what they felt was “long lasting,” to reflect one of EcoControl’s key properties, the tyre’s deeper tread pattern indeed resulting in an up to 20% (6,000 kilometres) increased durability when compared to Fulda’s previous summer tyre.
The EcoControl also improves braking performance when compared to its predecessor thanks to its design and wet grip compound and promotes reduced fuel consumption. The origin of this fuel consumption reduction comes from the silica compound used in the 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 175/65R14 (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