The concept of a global tire for a global vehicle is a dream of many seeking to rationalise production, but in each territory the needs of customers are subtly different. End user replacement tire needs differ depending upon the place they are used. Vehicle manufacturers (Original Equipment) each have their own tire requirements to suit the characteristics of the particular vehicle. Not only is a global tire a difficult objective to realise, but for one size and type of tire which fits many vehicles, a common tire may not even be possible.
In Central Europe where higher speeds prevail, the wet grip performance of a vehicle is paramount, leading to the use of special polymers and fillers.
Tread wear is territory dependent with expectations being almost twice as high in the USA as Europe. This is due to straighter, slower roads and a generally less aggressive driving style. In some countries prone to cyclic periods of heavy rainfall followed by dry weather, road surfaces may become more abrasive and
so increase wear rates.
Fuel consumption is vital where economies are affected by fuel costs. The relative importance of this parameter rises and falls with recessions and booms in local economies.
Low noise tires may be demanded by European users, but will be of little benefit in territories where road surface maintenance leaves much to be desired. Here the compounder will be more concerned with tire damage resistance and structural durability than reducing the noise by a few decibels.
The designer will seek to use as much commonality within the structures and materials of the tire as possible, in order to reduce production and raw material purchasing complexities, and improve productivity. However, diversification is what sells tires to a discerning and demanding public leading to a great variety of tread compounds and a few other vital components of the tire.
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