The logistics sector is booming. Changes in consumer purchasing trends and the growth of online shopping platforms are transforming the transport sector into one of the most important markets in Europe. A sector made up of trucks and vans that use specific tyres for each route or weather condition. For example, moving between depots on long flat roads is a task suited for tyres designed to work on regional routes even if the distance travelled is limited to a couple of hundred kilometres per day. At the same time, mountain roads and passes can benefit from what is offered by a regional tyre designed for winding routes and variable weather, especially winter-specific tyres, useful in times when snow and ice are the norm. In this truck tyre review we will take a look at the latest tyres from the most important premium brands.
Apollo Tyres
Apollo Tyres’ extensive range includes EnduRace RA 2 and EnduMile LHT. Introduced to the market last September, the EnduRace RA is a second-generation tyre that boasts a new tread design and improved materials, resulting in greater grip and handling, lower rolling resistance and longer life. The new compound has greater resistance to abrasion, while the modified bead and the use of low hysteresis material in high-stress sections of the tyre proves perfect against deformation under heavy loads. Compared to the first-generation 'RA' tyre, the new EnduRace RA 2 offers a 10 per cent reduction in rolling resistance, a reduction of 1 dB in the average noise level as well as a 10 per cent improvement in traction. The EnduRace RA 2 is the latest product to feature Apollo Tyres' 'Invisible Groove Technology', an innovative groove design that uses 'Multi-Edge' shoulder blocks and provides enhanced grip, traction and durability. The tyre is available in size 315/70 for 22.5-inch wheels and features the “three-peak mountain snowflake” symbol. EnduMile LHT is the company's first long-haul trailer (LHT) tyre. The “Free Rolling Tire” (FRT) tread pattern, designed specifically for trailer axles, features a compact central rib to aid road holding and ensure efficient operation, while achieving an A rating for noise levels. The tire features a large, stable footprint that optimizes pressure distribution, while a new blend of polymers and fillers reduces rolling resistance and ensures consistent levels of wet grip. Its innovative compound also helps manage temperature variations during extended use to maintain its superior performance characteristics and aid durability.
Bridgestone
Ecopia H002 is the Japanese manufacturer's tyre designed for long-distance transport. Ecopia H002 features a low deformation casing coated with Nano Pro Tech compounds with high silica content. This technology reduces rolling resistance and guarantees low operating temperatures. Furthermore, being compliant with all winter regulations (Ecopia H002 features 3PMSF and M + S marking), this tyre proves to be a suitable ally on long journeys even in difficult weather conditions. The same compounds have been used on the Duravis series dedicated to transport over regional and medium-long distances. These tyres were developed and tested in collaboration with 17 fleets in 13 countries and designed for year-round use in different operating conditions. In fact, the tread of the Duravis R002 has been redesigned to improve water drainage and the component mixing process guarantees uniform tread wear. Not unlike the Ecopia, the Duravis also features the 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking and has obtained a class "A" labelling on the steering axle (size: 315/80 R 22.5) in wet grip.
Continental
Continental launched the Generation 5 Hybrid tyres to overcome the daily challenges posed by transport along regional routes which may include motorways and expressways. Kicking off the Generation 5 are the Conti Hybrid HS5 for steering axles and Conti Hybrid HD5 for drive axles, available in 22.5'' wheels for combined use on regional roads and motorways. The tyres meet different needs and demanding situations, such as acceleration, braking, frequent manoeuvrings, and cornering on a variety of road surfaces. Continental's new premium tyres address multiple challenges thanks to a series of cutting-edge technologies: innovative compound, casing structure and tread. The compound used in Conti Hybrid Generation 5 tyres was specifically developed to meet the demanding needs of vehicles used on regional routes. The tread, thanks to a two-component structure ("cap" and "base") and the use of an innovative compound, offers greater mileage and robustness, while optimizing rolling resistance. The 0° steel belt of the Conti Hybrid HS5 available in size 315/70 R22.5 offers additional stability, uniform wear of the casing and retreadability. A steel belt runs along the radial casing following the rolling direction of the tyre, optimizing the distribution of pressure on the footprint, increasing the life span of the tyre. The Conti Hybrid tyres are available in various sizes: Conti Hybrid HS5 315/70 R 22.5; Conti Hybrid HS5 385/55 R 22.5; Conti Hybrid HD5 315/70 R 22.5.
Giti Tyre
The Indonesian multinational rubber company relies on its 355/50R22.5 size for the Giti GSR237 Combi Road for high loads and low platforms. The tire claims a B for rolling resistance and an A for noise and is approved for winter conditions, as evidenced by the three-peaked snowflake and mountain (3PMSF) marking, so it can be used all year round in all EU countries. The Giti GSR237 Combi Road was developed at Giti Tyre's European R&D Centre in Hanover, Germany.
Goodyear
In recent years, Goodyear has been renewing its range to offer state-of-the-art tyres to transport fleet for their daily journeys. The three main products in the Goodyear truck range are: Kmax Gen-2, Fuelmax Gen-2 and Fuelmax Endurance. The Kmax Gen-2 (urban, regional and inter-regional roads) is a truck tyre that offers above average life span and wear resistance and allows regional fleets to optimize tyre life and face even the most adverse weather conditions. The Fuelmax Gen-2 (highway and inter-regional) is a steering and drive axle tyre developed for fleets operating in inter-regional and long-distance transport. The advantages of the new range are fuel efficiency combined with greater mileage, traction throughout the life of the tire and reduced rolling noise. The Fuelmax Endurance range (highway and inter-regional application) is one of the latest innovations represented by the new line of tyres designed for fuel savings and lower emissions both on motorways and extra-urban roads. This range of tyres, suitable for both steering and drive axles, offers an innovative solution for transport and logistics companies that operate both on motorways and on secondary or state roads, with a perfect compromise between fuel consumption and versatility.
Hankook
In recent years the Korean giant secured significant original equipment supplies thanks to ongoing research and development work. Its range of tyres enjoy a rather long life span thanks to an additional regrooving to offer a second life and a third life as a retread. Furthermore, Hankook products are also notable for their low noise levels and the presence of many models labelled A or B for energy efficiency. For the truck sector the company focuses on Smart Flex AL51 and Smart Flex DL51 tyres. The AL51 is a steering axle tyre that features large tread blocks to improve rigidity thus ensuring longer mileage and low rolling resistance. Furthermore, the small step-shaped blocks ensure even wear and prevent stones from becoming trapped, thus extending the life of the product. Full depth 3D sipes allow for traction and grip. The DL51 drive axle tyre has central zigzag grooves that create something like a seam effect on each tread block, thus contributing to better traction and rolling resistance. Furthermore, the self-healing horn-shaped sipes prevent cracks and guarantee better water evacuation and performance on wet roads.
Michelin
Among the variety of heavy-duty products by Michelin particularly appreciated for their high mileage and low rolling resistance, one of the most recent is the X Multi HD Z and D range, which during 2024 will include size 315/80 R for 22.5” wheels. These are tyres for national and regional use, on all types of roads including unpaved accesses to loading/unloading points, for steering and drive axles. The performance of this range depends on the use of different technologies such as: Infinicoil, a continuous steel wire that wraps the structure of the tyre, giving it added stability, robustness and resistance; Regenion, a series of regenerative elements made through 3D printing techniques to offer grip in different conditions; Powercoil, steel cables that are both robust and lighter so as to offer lower rolling resistance; Forcion, a new, more cohesive material that increases the mileage of the tyre and gives greater resistance against abrasions, cuts, tears and flaking; Duracoil, gives greater strength to the lower area and improves retreadability. Michelin X Multi HD Z and D tyres boast 3PMSF marking for grip in all weather conditions. The Michelin X Multi range can also be regrooved and rebuilt.
Prometeon
Prometeon Tyre Group has recently launched the first 02 Series tires under the Prometeon brand. The new S02 Pista and is the first branded tyre in the history of the Group. The debut of the S02 Pista took place during the Dakar Rally held from 5 to 19 January in Saudi Arabia and was mounted on four trucks that raced under the Italtrans and Tibau banners. Compared to the product it replaces (PS22), the operation speed has been increased from 90 km/h to 110 km/h, while maintaining the same load capacity. The tyre has been completely redesigned in the tread, which, having to satisfy the greater stress imposed by higher speeds, with a cruising speed of 90-100 km/h, the need of greater durability and structural resistance is crucial. The S-shaped tread design guarantees progressive contact with the ground, improving comfort and reducing noise when driving on tar roads. The new Prometeon S02 Pista, the Group specifies, can also work with low pressures equipped with "run flat" and "bead lock" systems, in different types of surfaces ranging from tar roads to sand, from gravel to grass, from marshes to rugged terrains. Available in the 14.00 R20 size, it boasts a load capacity of 10 tonnes as a single wheel set up, 18 tonnes in twin wheel configuration. The load index is 164/160K and the speed index K.
Triangle Tyre
Triangle Tyre offers a wide range of truck tires covering different applications. Triangle tyres are developed with the help of extensive laboratory and field tests carried out in different parts of the world. The Triangle range dedicated to the European market is made up of 127 sizes, ranging from 15 to 22.5 inches. In 2024 the range will continue to be updated with new sizes in the T-Regional Haul family: the TRD09 for drive axle and the TRS06 for steering axle, ideal tires for combined regional and long-range applications, designed to guarantee high mileage.
