Tag Archives: More fuel efficient

Bridgestone Working on a Longer Lasting Tyre for Vans

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Bridgestone tyres are reminding fleet managers that the small patch of tyre that separates a commercial van from the road can have a huge impact on an organisation’s monthly fuel bill. Throughout the rest of this year, Bridgestone UK will test their next generation low rolling resistance tyres throughout the United Kingdom ahead of the launch in early 2013.

Based on the successful Ecopia range this latest offering is the next step in the company’s commitment to developing tyres that offer more economical motoring without losing any of the performance. Economising of fuel consumption is just as important as securing affordable van insurance and the Ecopia range will significantly lower rolling resistance which will help fleet managers maximize fuel consumption on each and every one of the vans that they have protected with commercial van insurance.

Andy Mathias, the product and marketing manager at the tyre manufacturer, said: “A low rolling resistance tyre can reduce fuel expenditure considerably. A reduction in rolling resistance of 20% can reduce fuel expenditure by 5% per year. Keeping the correct air pressure in the tyres is as important as giving the engine a tune up. With the right amount of air pressure, the tyres wear longer, save fuel, enhance handling and prevent accidents. The effects of not maintaining correct air pressure are poor fuel mileage, loss of tyre life, bad handling and potential vehicle overloading.”

Bridgestone tyres are proud of the fact that their NanoPro-Tech Compound is helping to create better wet grip while at the same time helping fleet managers to save money. The Waved Belt technology also makes sure of a stable footprint throughout the life of the tyre. The Turn-in-Ply and Stone Ejectors increase the tyres durability and will stop stones from sticking in the tread and damaging the tyre as the van goes about its daily routine on the busy roads of the United Kingdom.

Tyre specialist offers advice on saving money

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A leading tyre manufacturer says that drivers throughout the United Kingdom are collectively wasting millions of pounds each and every year by not driving in a fuel efficient way.

According to research carried out by Continental Tyres the average motorist in the United Kingdom can save themselves around £300 per year simply by using eco-driving techniques. This figure will be even higher for company vans which are covered by commercial vehicle insurance as they will be on the road for longer periods each day. The research suggests that the total amount of wastage in the UK could add up to over £1 billion a year or the equivalent of £19,000 over the lifetime of a motorist. This is based on today’s fuel prices which will increase in the future, meaning the amount wasted will also increase.

Tim Bailey, driving expert at Continental Tyres, said “As fuel costs continue to rise, affordable motoring is a big concern. By making minor alterations to your driving technique and doing regular basic checks such as tyre pressure, motorists can save hundreds of pounds a year. Our research also discovered that over two thirds of motorists are unaware that tyres are now made that improve fuel efficiency through lower rolling resistance.”

Although everyone is concerned about the rising cost of fuel, four out of ten admit to being clueless about eco driving. Continental has developed a new tyre that will save 3% on fuel and increase tyre mileage by 12%. Tyres should be checked every two weeks and driving a van with the correct amount of tyre pressure will mean less rolling resistance and therefore reduced fuel consumption. Incorrect tyre pressure will increase tyre wear and reduce safety. Half of the drivers questioned are worried that further fuel increases will force them off the roads completely despite relying on driving to get to work each day, while four out of five now say they will consider purchasing an electric vehicle to avoid the punitive tax on fuel.

More fuel efficient and cleaner vans given green light

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New challenging targets have been set out by the European Parliament as they continue with their process of reducing the CO2 emissions made by all vehicle manufacturers. The legislation will see short term targets for light commercial vehicles between 2014–2017, with long term targets to be reached by 2020.

The news has been welcomed by van enthusiasts throughout the United Kingdom and has been backed by an online survey of 1400 van drivers which discovered that 87% of them have a wish to become greener, and 64% believe there is more that can be done.

The commercial industry is committing itself to lowering the CO2 emissions for commercial vehicles. This comes at the same time as the on going introductions of low carbon vehicles and the new electric vehicles that are entering the LCV market. More and more companies now have an electric van which is covered by commercial vehicle insurance on the roads of the UK than ever before.

Phil Moss, a Commercial Vehicle Manager, said “This new legislation implemented by the European Parliament is welcome news for an industry constantly striving to tackle carbon emissions and is further backed by the responses to the survey which revealed just how keen van drivers are to back this new green technology.”

Peugeot UK are just one company who are welcoming new CO2 targets for LCVs agreed by the European Parliament. Their HDi-powered fleet already meets the targets set out for 2014, while their smaller vans come below the 2020 target. Manufacturers are fully aware that they must continue to strive to reduce the CO2 emissions of all vans. In the future any van which emits less than 50g/km of carbon will be given super credits, while any van that exceeds the limit will lead to the a fine for the manufacturer.

The European Parliament admit it has been a difficult balancing act between setting ambitious but attainable environmental targets but are satisfied that this is the best target for the environment, van manufacturers, and also for all van users throughout the EU.