FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 NOVEMBER 2009
BRIDGESTONE LAUNCHES ECOPIA EP100
Australian motorists concerned about the impact of their car on the environment now have a
new ally – Bridgestone ECOPIA.
Bridgestone ECOPIA is an all-new passenger car tyre that increases vehicle fuel efficiency
while lowering CO2 emissions.
ECOPIA has been 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 increase fuel efficiency by 3.3% when compared with
standard tyres*.
More importantly, the tests showed that ECOPIA can also reduce CO2 emissions by 3.3%
when compared with standard tyres. If extrapolated over the life of a set of tyres, that
equates to a 260kg reduction in CO2 emissions**.
ECOPIA achieves these results by utilising the results of Bridgestone’s global research and
development of Low Rolling Resistance technology.
“As the term suggests, rolling resistance is the force required to keep a tyre rolling,” said
Burkhard Kabelitz, National Technical Field Service and Product Planning Manager for
Bridgestone Australia Ltd.
“The lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel is required to power the vehicle – and that
leads to lower Carbon Dioxide (CO2) exhaust emissions. The ECOPIA technology significantly
lowers rolling resistance and therefore increases vehicle fuel efficiency while also cutting CO2
emissions.
“It’s a product we believe will appeal very strongly to the growing number of Australian
motorists who want to lower their car’s impact on the environment and save fuel at the
same time.”
Naturally, ECOPIA EP100 also features Bridgestone’s legendary standards of safety and
performance. Its new tread pattern features:
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Rib-linked blocks for enhanced rigidity;
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High-angle side groove to evenly distribute dynamic forces when braking;
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3D cut ribs for lateral strength; and
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Silent AC block for a quieter ride.
“At Bridgestone, our mission is to provide a safe environment for all our children and the
children of future generations,” said Shawn Hara, Managing Director of Bridgestone Australia
Ltd.
“That’s why we believe in doing everything we can to minimise our impact on the
environment,” Mr Hara said.
“Through that commitment, we have now created a product that reduces a vehicle’s impact
on the environment without compromising on Bridgestone’s legendary quality and safety.”
ECOPIA will be available in sizes to suit a wide range of vehicles such as:
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Light vehicles (including Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2);
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Small vehicles (including Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3);
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Medium vehicles (including Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Honda Accord)
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Premium vehicles (including Lexus IS250, Mercedes C-Class).
Additionally, Bridgestone is also combining its ECOPIA technology with premium brands such
as the Turanza ER300, giving motorists further options to reduce their fuel usage and
emissions. The Turanza ER300 with Ecopia Technology is available for larger vehicles such as
the Holden VE Omega and Berlina.
ECOPIA EP100 will go on sale throughout Bridgestone’s Australia-wide retail network of
Bridgestone Select, Bridgestone Service Centre and Bridgestone Tyre Centre stores from
TECHNICAL FACTS
In a conventional tyre’s polymers, carbon molecules clump together, causing friction and
generating heat. This effects rolling resistance and leads to energy loss.
ECOPIA’s polymer technology keeps the carbon molecules dispersed, minimising energy loss
and friction - and rolling resistance.
*Vehicles were tested in accordance with ADR81/02, the Australian standard for measuring fuel
consumption and emissions. ECOPIA testing was conducted using Ecopia tyres versus current
Bridgestone product of the same dimensions on identical 2009 manual petrol Toyota Mazda 3, 5-door
Hatch’s. Actual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions depend on factors such as traffic conditions,
vehicle condition and how the car is driven.
** Based on the average of 14,000 kms/year and average kilometres for life of a tyre at 40,000kms.
Bridgestone Australia Ltd. is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the largest tyre manufacturer in the world,
and employs more than 1500 at facilities around Australia including 600 at its major tyre manufacturing plant in
Salisbury, South Australia. Bridgestone Australia Ltd. is a major supplier to manufacturers such as Holden, HSV,
Kenworth and Volvo Trucks, and is a major tyre and service provider to most major transport operators and retails
tyres through its own franchise channels - Bridgestone Select, Bridgestone Tyre Centres and Bridgestone Service
Centres - as well as other channels.
Media information:
Phil Martin, Michels Warren
08 8267 6888 or 0418 817 876 pmartin@micwar.com.au
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