Goodyear Malaysia earlier today unveiled the latest additions to the Eagle F1 range of tyres- the SuperSport RS, SuperSport R, SuperSport, Asymmetric 5 and the Asymmetric 3 SUV. The launch of these Eagle F1 tyres has basically happened after Goodyear’s recent sponsorship of three participating teams in the World Endurance Championship (widely known as the Le Mans). The three teams are Jota Sport, Jackie Chan DC Racing and High Class Racing. They are bringing back the brand into high profile Motorsport racing again.
(from left to right) Alex Yoong, Founder and Director of Axle Motorsport and Professional Racing Driver; Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia; Jenner Powell, Product Director of Goodyear APAC; and Benjamin Chong, Product Manager of Goodyear Malaysia
Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia elaborated on their current approach to sales, which is essentially race on Sunday, sell on Monday. He said, “Racing is in our DNA. Throughout the years, Goodyear has been involved in many races such as NASCAR, Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship, therefore, it is inevitable that we will once again align ourselves with high-speed motorsports. We continue to innovate to bring cutting-edge technology and differentiated features to our tyres. The most important aspect is that motorsports allows us to test our capabilities and push our limits so that we can eventually achieve excellent technology transfer and utilise development experience from the tracks to the road.”
We think this is a very good move as while the Goodyear brand is strong, it lacks that image of youthfulness here in Malaysia and what better is to say that the brand is a current and relevant brand by going back into motorsport. They've even brought in our very own Alexander Yoong as their brand spokesperson at today's event. While most of us automotive media folk know how good Goodyear tyres perform, it is the new tyre buyers that need more, assurance and some convincing that the brand is indeed more than just OEM tyres.
So, as part of the official launch of the Eagle F1 family here in Malaysia aside from the new models announced above, Goodyear Malaysia has announced two additional tyres, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 and the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV. These are still Ultra High Performance tyres but more for the SUV and slightly more cost calculating consumers.
In addition to the models and variants launched today, Goodyear Malaysia will be announcing a brand new tyre sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2020 (most likely). This is part of Goodyear’s commitment for thrill seeking drivers and this tyre will enable all enthusiasts to enjoy premium tyres at competitive prices. Yes, it does seem the upcoming Eagle branded tyre will appeal to even more cost conscious buyers. They are aware of how Malaysians spend their money when it comes to tyres - the best bang for their Ringgit.
Goodyear Malaysia also gave a short presentation about their complete range of tyres from their entry level Assurance series to their latest EfficientGrip Performance SUV tyres for SUV. They have a comprehensive range of tyres and they had stated that in conjunction with the launch of the new Eagle F1 tyres, they had decided to take the opportunity to showcase their whole Malaysian product line-up and explain their current strategy on how they intend to expand the brand.
On a personal note, Goodyear Malaysia seems to have a comprehensive product range and their Eagle F1 tyres actually perform very well. So their current push for more brand awareness is a good thing as too many know it as an OEM tyre that is fitted to many Malaysian assembled cars. They do more than that and the Eagle F1 range is actually one of the better UHP tyres on the market.
Now, in terms of pricing and availability, the prices have not been finalised as yet as these range of Eagle F1 tyres will be fully imported from Goodyear factories all around Asia (from Thailand to China) and they should be available in most of the sizes from 17 to 20 inches from the first quarter of 2020 onwards. So if you intend to try them out, January 2020 is a good bet.
GOODYEAR EAGLE F1 Product Brief
F1 SuperSport Series
Designed for comfort, control and superior in the wet, the Eagle F1 SuperSport was
developed for better grip and handling on the road. Through the usage of an innovative U-
shaped compound, the Eagle F1 SuperSport Series has specialised power zones which
creates pockets of control for superior wet and dry handling. The tyre also has a thread
deformation protector which helps in maintaining its shape, allowing better footprint
preservation for high-speed stability. To increase grip during cornering, Goodyear applied a
closed outside pattern, which allows for more agile performance. Additionally, it also has a
stiffer sidewall design which improves handling and stability.
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 Series
Focusing on wet conditions, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 offers luxurious comfort and
superior wet breaking. The specialised thread design and Impulse Control Compound
Technology, a highly refined silica compound, allow the tyre to endure the force of high-
speed braking, shortening the braking distance. This compound also allows a patch
extension through Goodyear’s ActiveBraking Technology, which allows the tyre to slightly
expand when braking to create more grip using its walls. In addition, the tyre is not only built
for wet conditions – its Power Cushion Technology (stiff coupling of carcass and pattern)
produces precise power transmission, leading to excellent dry handling.
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV
For larger cars and SUVs, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV is designed to be sturdy while
promoting better fuel consumption due to its low rolling resistance. It is also capable of
shortening braking distance through ActiveBraking Technology, in any condition. It enforces
stronger grip, which makes it easier for handling and braking. Its specialised compound
known as the Grip Booster compound increases the tyre's stickiness with the road surface,
allowing it to be comfortable while maintaining handling when travelling at higher speeds
giving the driver to total control.
Goodyear Malaysia's Tyre Product Range Aside from the Eagle F1 Series
namely the Assurance, EfficientGrip and the Wrangler series.
Goodyear Assurance
For the Assurance range, Goodyear offers a comfortable, quiet and safe drive of one’s
vehicle by highlighting the Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2, as well as the Assurance
DuraPlus 2. The Assurance TripleMax 2 is equipped with the latest HydroTred technology
for enhanced wet braking performance, while its asymmetric threads allows for better
handling, and comfort performance for a quieter and safer drive. The Assurance DuraPlus 2,
on the other hand, is equipped with TredLife technology and a specialised compound to
reduce exterior noise, increase overall comfort, and at the same time allow for further
milleage.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance
The EfficientGrip Performance is a tyre equipped with higher gripping compounds that
enables shorter braking distances on wet roads. Infused with ActiveBraking Technology, the
EfficientGrip Performance increases contact between the tyre and the roads increasing the
braking distance performance for up to two meters on wet roads. This has allowed the tyres
to be A-rated by european regulations. In addition to that, it also comes with FuelSaving
Technology that reduces rolling resistance by up to 18% in comparison to its predecessor,
Goodyear EfficientGrip. The inclusion QuietTred Technology also ensures that the Goodyear
EfficientGrip Performance is able to provide a quieter drive.
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance SUV
Aside from the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV, Goodyear also showcased the Goodyear
EfficientGrip Performance SUV. Similar to the EfficientGrip Performance, the EfficientGrip
Performance SUV is designed to be quiet and comfortable to fit luxury highway SUVs. In
addition to that, with reinforced and robust construction, the EfficientGrip Performance is
equipped to match all driving conditions. Its QuietTred Technology reduces exterior and
interior noise levels to provide luxury SUV drivers with a quieter ride. Goodyear’s
FlexContact technology uses heavier gauge under thread and barrier cushion that reduces
vibration and increases tire insulation for improved ride comfort
Goodyear Wrangler Range of Tyres
When it comes to the Wrangler series, the Goodyear Wrangler AT SilentTrac is equipped
with Durawall technology provides light off-road durability with improved quiet and comfort
for on-road and extended mileage, to achieve the best balance between on and off road. For
the Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac, the pattern offers additional transaction through its
TractiveGroove Technology, which allows the treds to offer better grip in off-road situations.
Furthermore, its highly angled centre tread blocks enhance traction as well as adds stability
to reduce road noise, leading to a quieter drive.
“Each pattern was passionately designed to suit consumer demands depending on
preference. we know that the tyre is in between the road and the drivers ability to have
control of the vehicle. Hence, we continuously enhance our HydroTred technology to
achieve better braking performance on wet roads as well as in various conditions. We
understand that the tyre is the only point of contact between the road and the car, amplifying
the importance of constantly innovating new ways to stay in control. This is why evolution of
our patterns is important at Goodyear. With innovation, it has pushed Goodyear to push
boundaries and set itself apart,” concluded Ng.
Head over to www.goodyear.com.my if you need more details on Goodyear Malaysia and the model of tyres that they bring in.
No comments:
Post a Comment