AKRON, Ohio, April 15, 2010 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced the broadening of its line of EPA SmartWay Verified Technology tires with the new G662 RSA Fuel Max. The tire is also California Air Resources Board compliant. 

In addition to promoting fuel efficiency, the G662 RSA Fuel Max is a rugged all-position regional tire with a deep tread, enhanced tread design and scrub-resistant compounds to help maximize tire life in urban and regional driving conditions. 

“We feel the G662 RSA Fuel Max offers customers incredible, tough performance for regional use, with fuel savings of up to 4 percent over our standard regional tires,” said Donn Kramer, Goodyear’s director of marketing for commercial tires.

The G662 RSA joins Goodyear’s EPA SmartWay Verified Technology long-haul tires (the G395 LHS steer, G305 LHD drive and G316 LHT trail), plus Dunlop’s FM series for long-haul (SP 384 FM steer tire, SP 456 FM drive tire and SP 193 FM trail).

“The local haul and regional segments are diverse and a tough environment for wear on commercial tires,” said Kramer.  “With the potential for scrubbing and curbing, fleets want tires that are robust and able to provide a low cost-per-mile through multiple retreads. Users of the G662 RSA Fuel Max not only can get premium performance and long tread life; they know the EPA has labeled it with specific standards for fuel efficiency and rolling resistance.”

Kramer said the G662 RSA Fuel Max boasts another claim: “It’s also our first regional tire to offer a pressure distribution groove – to spread weight on the tread for enhanced uniform wear,” he said.

The tire has a 22/32-inch tread depth, 2/32 inches deeper than previous Goodyear regional tires, providing extended miles to removal. In addition, it has Goodyear’s TredLock Technology, featuring interlocking microgrooves. “When the truck is running straight, the TredLock pattern is separated, which provides enhanced traction in wet weather conditions,” explained Kramer.  “But on a turn, those microgrooves come together and interlock to create a block – stabilizing the tread to help prevent irregular wear.  It’s the latest technology from Goodyear.”

The G662 RSA Fuel Max is available in an 11R22.5 size, with the 295/75R22.5 size coming in June.

Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems offer complete products and services to the trucking and bus industries, including a full range of original equipment and replacement tires. This includes the 24/7 fleetHQ Solution Center, national programs, tire management tools, online information access and business problem-solving for tomorrow’s trucking fleets. For more information on Goodyear’s commercial tires, go to http://www.goodyear.com/truck.