Nokian tires is introducing the Nokian eLine summer tyre. Nokian eLine, utilising future technology, goes straight to the top and achieves an AA rating on the EU’s new tire labeling. Its fuel efficiency and wet grip are at the top of the new EU tyre label, class A. This display of technological skill from the world’s leading manufacturer of winter tires is not a concept; it is a state-of-the-art product available to consumers. Retail sales of the Nokian eLine will begin in the spring of 2013 (though sales in the US could be as late as 2014). It is suited for smaller cars, for all drivers who value future solutions, the best fuel efficiency and safe grip properties.
Several technical solutions set the Nokian eLine apart from regular
summer tyres. The moment of inertia of this innovative tyre has been
significantly reduced, which makes the tyre quick to respond to steering
movements. Much like a rotating gyroscope resists toppling over; the
moment of inertia tries to resist steering. The Nokian eLine is easy and
quick to handle, even in surprising and extreme situations.
The arched tread surface and sturdy belt structure of the Nokian
eLine work together seamlessly to produce a stable driving feel. By
minimizing acceleration slip at the road contact point, wet grip can be
improved, reducing braking distance on rain-slick roads.
The new EU tyre label indicates the tyre's braking distance on wet
asphalt from a speed of 80 km/h. For example, the difference between the
best class A and the weakest class F in terms of stopping distance can
be over 18 metres, or four car lengths. The EU tyre label must be
applied to all tyres sold in Europe by November 2012.
Innovations create a green product
The traditional grooves on the Nokian eLine’s outer shoulder have
been replaced by sipes. The shape of the pattern blocks also differs
from the usual. The pattern block was shortened longitudinally and grown
laterally. This divides the load of the Nokian eLine across a larger
area, making deformations during driving, or rolling resistance, as
small as possible. The cross-section is straighter than on traditional
tyre models, which reduces rolling resistance further.
“Reduced heat generation adds to both the structural integrity and
the wear resistance of the tread pattern. As we have succeeded in
improving the structural integrity, we have also been able to find the
best possible solution in terms of rolling resistance,” Pirhonen
illustrates.
The rubber compound tailored for demanding use further improves the
green nature of the Nokian eLine. This fuel-efficient newcomer quickly
reaches its operating temperature. The energy-efficient tyre has low
rolling resistance from the very beginning. Rolling resistance amounts
to approx. 20 per cent of the vehicle’s fuel consumption. It has a
significant effect on the car’s operating costs and carbon dioxide
emissions. In the EU tyre label classification, the difference in
consumption between the best and weakest tyre (A-G) is significant, at
around 0.6 l/100 km.
Technology also used for winter tyres
Nokian Tyres developed the world's first winter tyre for the winter
frost in 1934. The company has also been a bold forerunner for
eco-friendliness, being the first in the world to start using purified,
low aromatic oils in its tyres. The Nokian eLine strengthens the image
of the industry pioneer as a developer of innovative, eco-friendly, and
best-selling products.
In addition to state-of-the-art safety properties, tyres also need to
be economical and comfortable to drive. The new innovations and modern
technology benefit all the users of our tyres. For example, the square
contact surface of the Nokian eLine, optimised for rolling resistance
and wet grip, is also used in Nokian winter tyres.