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Goodyear shares survey results prior to truck tyre debut
16 August 2013
Goodyear shares survey results prior to truck tyre debut
Several months ago, Goodyear commissioned French market research company MV2 Conseil to look into tyre purchasing habits amongst European fleet operators. To gain an insight into the priorities at play when selecting tyres, during June and July MV2 Conseil interviewed approximately 500 fleet operators based in France, Italy, Germany, Poland and Spain. Goodyear has now published the study’s preliminary findings.
According to MV2 Conseil’s findings, rolling resistance, mileage and wet grip were identified as the top priorities. Rolling resistance topped the performance criteria table, with 77 per cent of fleet operator respondents describing it as “very important” or “extremely important”. Mileage came a close second, with 76 per cent of respondents placing it in the above two categories, and wet grip was not far behind, with 75 per cent of respondents calling it “very important” or “extremely important”. Cost per kilometre was identified as such by 68 per cent of respondents and snow traction by 51 per cent.
Optimism towards cost trends was in short supply amongst the interviewees – 91 per cent said they anticipate further fuel price increases, while 84 per cent believe other costs will rise as well. With these expectations in mind, fleets are looking to reduce operational costs. In relation to tyres, 70 per cent of the fleets interviewed claim they already purchase fuel efficient tyres, and 21 per cent said they will start doing so in the near future.
Goodyear released these statistics to illustrate the congruence between fleet operator priorities and its two newest truck tyres, the Kmax and Fuelmax. Both tyres are scheduled to be launched next month and Goodyear says that, as their names imply, they “put the focus on the customers’ main priorities without compromising other areas.” The tyre maker claims intensive cooperation with European fleets was undertaken prior to the tyres’ development.
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