TYRE TRENDS
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FUTURE trends in British tyre use resulting from EEC legislation and the increasing use of low-profile tyres were Steve Waiting's main themes.
As marketing manager of Goodyear's truck and bus tyre division he could point to the different lorry tyre loading limits between Britain and the rest of Europe, particularly with the 11R22.5 and 12R22.5. These are rated here at 6,100 and 6,6610kg respectively, but when EEC regulation 54 eventually applies in the UK they will be marked at the 6,000 and 6,500kg, limits which already exist on the Continent.
From light vans to heavy trucks, lowprofile tyres of 70, 75 and 80 aspect ratio already in use in Europe will begin to appear in the UK.
Lower loading heights and improved stability are the rewards, with the distribution trade being.the main beneficiary.
Passenger transport may also be helped by the change. Although the British coaching industry is already using 80 aspect tyres, Mr Waiting believes that the operators will also follow the continental lead, especially where 11R22.5s are concerned.
There may be common accord in the EEC on truck noise control, but the industry must not compromise the tread designs necessary to harness the increased horse power of modern vehicles, said Mr Waiting. "Safety is a sight more important than a few decibels of noise".