Bridgestone

Planet Ark Endorses Bridgestone Ecopia

Adelaide (25 March 2011) – Bridgestone ECOPIA EP100 has become the first tyre in Australia to be endorsed by leading environmental foundation Planet Ark, renowned for its numerous successful campaigns such as National Tree Day and Cartridges 4 Planet Ark.

Planet Ark is committed to working with business and the broader community to highlight simple ways in which people can reduce their impact on the planet – such as choosing Bridgestone ECOPIA, a passenger car tyre that lowers CO2 emissions by increasing vehicle fuel efficiency.

In order to achieve the endorsement, ECOPIA had to meet Planet Ark’s product evaluation criteria of demonstrating real environmental improvement.

“Planet Ark endorses the ECOPIA EP100 range of tyres as they will save fuel, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants,” said Rebecca Gilling from Planet Ark.

“Choosing ECOPIA tyres is a simple way that Australians can reduce the environmental impact of their driving activities while saving money.”

The tyre is formulated to reduce rolling resistance and therefore reduce fuel consumption when compared with traditional tyres. This is achieved without compromising the safety or life span of the tyre.

Prior to its launch more than 12 months ago, ECOPIA EP100 was put through rigorous and extensive independent testing in accordance with ADR81/02, the Australian standard for measuring fuel consumption and emissions.

The tests proved that ECOPIA can reduce fuel costs by up to 5.7% when compared with standard tyres.

What’s more, ECOPIA’S rolling resistance technology means that a vehicle fitted with ECOPIA tyres can travel up to 42% further than the same car fitted with conventional tyres.

In addition to the fuel saving benefits, the tests showed that ECOPIA can also reduce CO2 emissions by up to 5.8% when compared with standard tyres. This means that, by usingECOPIA EP100, the average motorist could reduce their CO2 emissions by up to 400kg over the life of their tyres.

ECOPIA achieves this by utilising the results of Bridgestone’s global research and development of Low Rolling Resistance technology.

“We’re enormously pleased that Bridgestone ECOPIA is now a Planet Ark endorsed product,” said Bridgestone Australia Ltd’s Group Chairman and Managing Director Mr Nobuyuki Mieno.

“At Bridgestone we are committed to focusing on innovation for the future. Through that commitment, we have created a product that reduces a vehicle’s impact on the environment without compromising on Bridgestone’s legendary quality and safety.

“Customer feedback to date has been very positive and it’s terrific to have this affirmed by the Planet Ark endorsement.”

To find out more about how ECOPIA increases fuel efficiency while lowering CO2 emissions – and to find your nearest store – visit www.bridgestone.com.au or call 131 229.

* Product independently tested in accordance with ADR 81/02 on a 2009 Corolla Ascent fitted with tyre size 195/65 R15 91H. Actual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions depend on factors such as traffic conditions, vehicle condition and driving style. ECOPIA tyre comparison performed against conventional tyres. Tyre life based on the average of 14,000 kms/year and average kilometres for life of a tyre at 40,000kms.

* Rolling resistance test conducted in 2010 by Bridgestone New Zealand using two identical VW Golfs fitted with tyres size 195/65R15. Both vehicles were rolled down a ramp from a height of 1.1m (back wheel height). The vehicle fitted with ECOPIA tyres travelled an average of 85m and the vehicle fitted with conventional tyres travelled an average of 60m. This was a difference of 42%.

Tags: ECOPIA EP100, Planet Ark, rolling resistance