Goodyear Fuel Max Technology Carries 100 mpg Car From Border to Border

From Canada to Mexico on one tank of gas, Avion rides on fuel-efficient tires

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Sep 01, 2010, 11:59 ET

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As a test of the efficiency of Goodyear's (NYSE: GT) breakthrough tires with Fuel Max Technology, a Bellingham, Wash., man has completed a border-to-border drive – from Canada to Mexico – on a single tank of gas.

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Craig Henderson and his custom-built car, the Avion, completed the more than 1,400-mile journey with a documented 119.1 miles per gallon, using 12.4 gallons of fuel from start to finish. He began the drive on Aug. 29 near Blaine, Wash., heading south to the Mexican border near Chula Vista, Calif. Along the way, Henderson stopped for food and overnight lodging – but no refueling – as he piloted the aerodynamic car primarily on the north-south Interstate 5.

Helping the car to achieve the milestone was a set of Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires, featuring a Fuel-Saving Tread Compound that helps reduce energy loss as the tires roll. This can save average motorists 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of tires.*

"This is a remarkable accomplishment, when you think of the number of fill-ups a typical driver would have to make during such a long trip," said Razvan Bosomoiu, Goodyear brand manager. "Compared to regular passenger car tires, the Fuel Max helps the Avion roll more easily and achieve fuel mileage improvements."

Henderson's fast, fun-to-drive sports car is lightweight and aerodynamic, and it has previously set fuel efficiency records. The original model was built by Henderson and co-designer Bill Green in 1984, but mass production was never achieved.

Still, the prototype vehicle continues to reach high marks in fuel efficiency. The current version of the Avion is powered by an 800 cc diesel motor.

"The Avion has achieved 113 miles per gallon at 55-60 miles per hour in testing. For this journey, we averaged around 55 miles per hour and contended with regular traffic volumes," said Henderson. "The Goodyear Fuel Max tires help provide the fuel savings we wanted, and with the confidence of knowing we will have excellent wet and dry traction."

Assurance Fuel Max has been selected as the exclusive original equipment tire for the much-anticipated 2011 Chevrolet Volt, along with standard fitments on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, 2010 Ford Fusion S and 2010 Toyota Prius.

The tire offers a 27 percent improvement in rolling resistance, which translates into 4 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Goodyear Assurance tire. The Assurance Fuel Max tire was selected for the Popular Science Magazine's 2009 "Best of What's New Award."

Available for more than drivers of hybrid cars, electric vehicles and even the Avion, the Assurance Fuel Max is offered in 32 sizes, fitting about 80 percent of passenger cars on the road today. The tire also carries a 65,000-mile treadlife limited warranty.

"The breadth of size offerings and all-around performance of the Assurance Fuel Max mean that most drivers can benefit from this fuel-saving tire," said Bosomoiu.

And this fall, the tire line is extended to sizes for SUVs and crossover vehicles, in the new Goodyear Assurance CS Fuel Max.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 58 facilities in 24 countries around the world. For more information about Goodyear tires, go to www.goodyeartires.com.

*(Note: This savings is based on a 4% fuel economy improvement, on 65,000-mile tread life limited warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size on a 2008 Honda Civic. Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving and road conditions, and proper tire maintenance.)

Note to editors: Downloadable images are available at www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.

SOURCE Goodyear