Bridgestone Australia launches R154 steer tyre

Manufacturer flags two years of range improvements

 

Tyre behemoth Bridgestone says it has reset the benchmark for steer tyres with the launch of its next generation flagship steer tyre, the R154.

It is the first of several significant launches for Bridgestone commercial products over the next two years as the company revitalises its TBR range.

“The Bridgestone R154 utilises a newly designed pattern which reduces the occurrence of rib tears and cutting/chipping in regional and on/off road applications,” the company states.

“Optimisation of the top and base tread compound layers and improvements to irregular wear have also reduced base tread compound exposure incidents significantly.

“The pattern design of the R154, base tread compound, and construction has led to better worn appearance over the predecessor products, maximising the life of the tyre through a significant reduction in shoulder edge wear and base tread compound exposure.

“The sturdy construction means R154 is also suitable for retreading multiple times.

“The optimised crown shape enhances handling characteristics, as well as delivering a more comfortable ride at the recommended pressure.

“As a result, the R154 eliminates the temptation to underinflate steer tyres and compromise wear life.”

The successor to the market leading R150, it will also serve as the replacement of the R156 after proving its durability though real-world local testing.

The new tyre has shown an advantage of 18-32 per cent over its predecessors, depending on the application.

In turn, Bridgestone “projects an advantage of between 20-40 per cent over R154’s nearest competitor based on the correlation of benchmark tests and previous comparisons with competitor products”.


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According to Bridgestone Australia sales director Heath Barclay, the R154’s results surpassed expectations.

“The introduction of the Bridgestone R154 allows us to simplify our Bridgestone steer tyre range without compromising on characteristics our R150 and R156 customers are accustomed to, and show even greater value through our longest lasting steer tyre ever,” Barclay says.

“R150 and R156 were the obvious benchmarks for the new R154, but we had other ambitious targets in place which have been surpassed in the development of the new tyre.

“We’re certain that the R154 will prove to be the ideal choice for steer applications for linehaul applications, coaches and also be suitable for medium on/off road duties and metropolitan truck and bus fitments.”

Bridgestone Australia says the parent company invested significantly in the development of the R154, championed by the Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Technical Field Services team, “ensuring it meets the necessary criteria for our local market” and that Australian customer feedback drove the technical requirements for new tyre.

“The R150 has proven itself as a highly popular and successful tyre, and the R156 was a stand out for its durability,” group technical field services manager Garth Middleton says.

“The challenge for R154 was meeting the needs of customers of both tyres.

“While they were both segment leading tyres in their own right, customers identified areas where improvement could be made, and our local Technical Field Services worked closely with the global R&D team to ensure that these areas were met.”

 

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