Bridgestone unveils new drive tyre

Developed specifically for Australian roads and conditions, Bridgestone Australia says its new Multi Trans M766 drive tyre offers superb wear rates, resistance to irregular wear and markedly improved wet-weather traction.

The tyre was officially unveiled last night (March 19) in Hobart, at the auction event marking the opening of the Australian Trucking Association's Trucking Australia 2015 conference.

According to Bridgestone, the new tyre features an innovative tread compound to suit Australia's challenging roads and incredibly varied conditions. The company says comparative testing it carried out last year saw the Multi Trans M766 deliver up to 18 per cent more wear life than a major competitor's premium drive tyre.

Bridgestone Australia's Managing Director, Andrew Moffatt (pictured), says the new tyre represents a significant step forward for Australia's transport and logistics industry.

"Australia has unique road conditions that put very particular stresses on truck tyres," he said.

"We have high-powered trucks pulling long combinations, highways and roads made from rough aggregate and a higher road camber than many other countries – all factors which combine to put tyres under a great deal of stress.

"These are challenges that require Australian solutions, which is why – unlike many of our competitors – Bridgestone invests significant resources to develop new patterns and tread compounding technology specific to our market and our road conditions.

"We have conducted extensive testing in the lead up to the release of this tyre and are absolutely confident in the extended wear life that this product provides."

In addition to the new tread compound, the Multi Trans M766 features a wider and deeper tread with 21 per cent more tread rubber volume than the existing M722 drive tyre.

The M766 is also said to be stiffer, resulting in more even wear and longer life, while more lateral sipes deliver increased bite and grip, particularly in the wet. In fact, Bridgestone says testing has revealed an improvement in wet traction force of 48 per cent compared to the M722, markedly improving braking and acceleration performance.

Bridgestone says the M766 also features a tough and durable casing, making it an ideal candidate for Bandag re-treading.

The Multi Trans M766 is available through Bridgestone's national dealer network. For more information, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.bridgestonetyres.com.au/truck-and-bus.