AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional truck drivers traveled 421.3 billion miles of road in the United States last year – consuming more than 52 billion gallons of fuel along the way, according to data from the American Trucking Associations.

"Fuel is the average trucking fleet's top expense," said Brian Buckham, general manager, commercial product marketing, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT). "Reducing truck fuel consumption is key to reducing a fleet's overall operating costs."

To help fleets slash their fuel expenses, Goodyear has introduced the most fuel-efficient long haul drive tire in North America. *

Available now, the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D saves, on average, $1,444 worth of fuel per truck, per year, compared to the Michelin X Line Energy D.*

The Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D also saves, on average:

• $896 of fuel per truck, per year, compared to the Continental EcoPlus HD3*
• $672 of fuel per truck, per year, compared to the Bridgestone M710 Ecopia*

"Goodyear has re-written the book on fuel efficiency with the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D," said Buckham. "This tire is a must-have for fleets that are serious about reducing their cost-per-mile."

The Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D improves highway fuel economy by, on average, 2% compared to the Michelin X Line Energy D; 1.3% compared to the Continental EcoPlus HD3; and .9% compared to the Bridgestone M710 Ecopia.*

"Goodyear's exclusive Fuel Max Technology incorporates innovative fuel-efficient compounds, tire constructions and tread designs to lower the rolling resistance of our tires, which reduces truck fuel consumption," noted Buckham.    

In addition to superior fuel economy, the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D also features:

• A highly siped center rib and lateral grooves to help enhance all-season traction
• Goodyear's Tredlock Technology, which contains interlocking micro-grooves and a wide tread to help stabilize the tread for long life and enhanced toughness
• A steel-belt casing package for toughness, endurance and robust retreadability
• Penetration protectors to help resist stone drilling, which also enhances casing retreadability

"Our goal is to help fleets lower their cost-per-mile," said Buckham. "Helping them optimize their trucks' fuel efficiency is a big part of this process. With the introduction of the Goodyear FUEL MAX LHD G505D, Goodyear is staking its claim as North America's long haul drive tire fuel economy leader."

*As compared to Michelin X Line Energy D (size 275/80R22.5 LR G), Bridgestone M710 Ecopia (size 295/75R22.5 LR G), and Continental EcoPlus HD3 (size 295/75R22.5 LR G), based on the projected fuel cost savings of a single Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck with 6.50 miles per gallon, traveling 120,000 miles in a year, and diesel fuel price at $4 per gallon. Estimated fuel consumption differences are a result of changing all of the tractor's eight drive axle drive tires. Class 8 tractor-trailer combination truck fuel consumption was estimated using the U.S. EPA's Greenhouse Gas Emission Model and ISO 28580 rolling resistance coefficient data. Actual results may vary depending on tire size, driving and road conditions, maintenance, and operating conditions.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 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 and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company