Performer 85

IMPROVED STANDARD-SERIES PERFORMANCE, IN THE FIELD AND ON THE ROAD

Firestone has strengthened its leading position in the agricultural tyre market with the introduction of the new standard series Performer 85. The new radial replaces Firestone’s popular R6000 and R8000 tyres with stronger traction, longer and more even wear life, and increased road comfort.

Standard 85 series radials are the versatile workhorses of the European agricultural sector and are used in a wide range of applications and conditions. Although their demand has gradually declined over the last 5 years – in favour of wider series and radials for industrial usage, trailers and large high-powered tractors – they still represent the majority of agricultural radial sales volume in Europe.

Firestone therefore decided to improve its standard series line-up with the latest construction and tread technology. Following an inter-change between the company’s R&D centres in the USA, Japan and Italy, the new generation Performer 85 has been developed and manufactured in Europe to meet specific European farming requirements.

STRONGER FIELD TRACTION

The Performer 85 shows a number of significant improvements versus its R6000/R8000 predecessors.  By applying Firestone’s unique Dual Angle lug technology to standard series radials for the first time, the lug traction contact area has been increased by 4.2%, producing superior traction in field use.  The technology also provides low soil disturbance and excellent self-cleaning.

LONGER TREAD LIFE AND MORE ROAD COMFORT

The carcass construction features a larger crown radius, producing a flatter, wider tread surface. This bigger footprint leads to less soil compaction and more uniform tread wear, helping to extend tread life. Tread life is further enhanced by an optimisation of the volume of wear rubber and the use of new compounds. Finally, a ten percent increase in deflection improves driver comfort considerably, with less vibration on the road.

Reflecting its versatile role in a wide variety of conditions, the line-up of the Performer 85 will be expanded to 23 sizes in order to fit the widest possible range of vehicles. Country deliveries will start in second quarter 2009.

Media information: G.Meylemans/D. Collins: +32 2 714 68 40

Bridgestone Europe NV/SA - with European headquarters in Brussels, Belgium - is a key division of the Bridgestone Corporation. It develops and manufactures top-quality tyres in Europe which, through its 20 subsidiary sales companies and other channels, are distributed all over Europe including the Eastern European markets. Products are also exported outside Europe, including to Japan.