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Jul 1, 2008 12:00 PM

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co announced it has joined the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport Partnership, which previously approved using the company's Fuel Max linehaul tires on SmartWay tractors and trailers. SmartWay is a collaboration between the trucking industry and the EPA to increase energy efficiency and significantly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution.

The fuel-efficient line-haul tires deliver up to 4% improved truck fuel economy, and when used with other SmartWay-qualified components, each 18-wheel tractor and trailer used in long-haul can produce savings of up to 4,000 gallons per year, or more than $11,000 annually, according to Goodyear and EPA officials. Goodyear tires featuring Fuel Max Technology include the Unisteel G395LHS steer tire, Unisteel G305 LHD drive tire, and Unisteel G316 LHT trail tire in standard (11R22.5) and low-profile (295/75R22.5 and 285/75R24.5) sizes.

While company officials are citing up to a 4% hike in fuel economy with the new tires, actual Society of Automotive Engineers lab test results showed an 8% improvement in fuel economy compared with standard Goodyear over-the-road tires. The difference reflects adjustments for real-world variations, including vehicle speed, idling time, varying road grades, and different driving styles.