Bridgestone India launched the new Ecopia
EP150 and EP850 tyres on October 7, 2015. The company claims that Ecopia tyres
are more fuel efficient than conventional tyres, the EP150 provides 7 pc better
fuel efficiency while the EP850 provides 10 pc better fuel efficiency. The
tyres have been manufactured by combining light and strong materials, which
result in reduced carbon emissions and better mileage.
The word Ecopia has been derived from a
combination of “Ecology” and “Utopia” and is one of Bridgestone’s flagship
brands to represent the company’s eco friendly initiatives. The Ecopia range of
tyres use unique compounds and cutting edge technology in the tread design
which has led to better fuel efficiency, lower rolling resistance, improved
safety and durability.
The EP150 series of tyres are meant for
passenger vehicles while the EP850 series will cater to the SUV segment of the
Indian car market. The company claims the EP150 series improves fuel efficiency
by 7 pc and will enable cost savings thanks to a better mileage. The Ecopia
series deliver better fuel efficiency thanks to a lighter weight and lower roll
resistance of tires. This however does not compromise on other areas of
performance. An internal test conducted by the company proves the Ecopia series
of tyres provide better braking power and more control in wet conditions when
compared with conventional tyres. The tyre tread also has an optimised 3D block
shape which pushes aside water and reduces the effects of hydroplaning. The
tread also comprises of RIB – linked blocks which provide a uniform road
contact.
The EP850 series which is meant for SUVs
improves fuel efficiency by 10 pc and also has better performance results than
conventional tyres. Ecopia tyres are available in 26 sizes for now which will
be expanded in the coming years. The sizes presently range from 13” to 18” rim
diameter. Though the Ecopia series is available in a few international markets
(China and Indonesia being the largest for the product) the Indian version has
been launched after 1 year of product testing. The Indian Ecopia variant has
been customised to country specific conditions, like increased durability and
ware.
The fuel savings which has been enabled by
Ecopia series of tyres contributes to Bridgestone’s global goal of improving
tyre rolling resistance by 25 pc by 2020. Kazuhiko Mimura, MD, Bridgestone
India Pvt. Ltd. said “The Company’s environmental mission statement ‘To help
ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations’ has been the
driving force behind the launch of Ecopia in India. The Ecopia series provides
better fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions apart from being highly
durable and exhibiting excellent road performance”. As of April 2015
Bridgestone has sold more than 10 million Ecopia tyres in the Asia Pacific
region. Even though the Ecopia series is not 100pc localised the majority of
production takes place in India with a few parts being imported from Thailand.
The EP150 series will be manufactured in Bridgestone’s kheda, Madhya Pradesh
plant while the EP850 series will be manufactured from their Chakan, Pune
plant.