Goodyear Introduces Tires Containing Next-Generation Silica

Kuala Lumpur, 12 May 2015 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has begun using a next-generation silica to increase the fuel-efficiency of its tires. This new silica will be first to be used in the Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV tires, which is launched this month in Latin American markets. Tires that contain silica will also be introduced in other regions within next year.

For more than a decade, Goodyear researchers worked with PPG Industries to examine the effects of chemically treated silica on tire performance. The goal was to further improve rolling resistance without have a detrimental effect on traction in wet conditions. In Goodyear’s new Efficient Grip SUV tire, next generation silica will be used in a new tread compound and a new tread pattern to provide both improved rolling resistance and improved wet traction.

“Our customers around the world are demanding for more fuel-efficient tires while they want us to minimize the typical trade-offs,” said David Zanzig, director of Global Materials Science for Goodyear. “Our materials scientists worked in cross-functional teams together with tire design and construction engineers. They derived an integrated solution that optimizes performance. This new silica plays a critical role in satisfying our customers’ needs.”

Silica reinforces tire tread compounds compared to carbon black, the traditional reinforcing agent for tires. It helps tires to reduce rolling resistance which will also improve a car’s fuel economy. In addition, this new silica is marketed by PPG Industries as AGILON® performance silica. Since it is easier to mix into compounds, factories can consume less energy in the tire production process and lessen emissions which will improve the environment surrounding us.

In its efforts to create more environmentally friendly tires, Goodyear has been exploring its options with silica. Last year, Goodyear has finally gotten the supply agreements to purchase silica. The silica is derived from the ash left behind after rice husks are incinerated.

“While there isn’t a single source of silica that is able to fulfill our total demand, they each play an important part in our materials line-up as we strive to create more environmentally friendly tires,” said Zanzig.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 67,000 people and manufactures its products in 50 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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About Goodyear Malaysia

In 1908, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company began buying rubber from Malaysia via Singapore for its worldwide operations, with the sale of Goodyear products in Malaysia beginning in 1929. Goodyear Malaysia Berhad established its own manufacturing plant based in Shah Alam, Selangor in 1972, which went on to become the company’s first tire plant to be certified for ISO 9002 standards in 1992. Today, Goodyear is one of the leading tire companies in Malaysia producing and selling a wide range of products for passenger, light truck, truck, bus and 4X4 vehicles. For more information about Goodyear Malaysia or its products, go to www.goodyear.com.my.

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