LOUISVILLE -- Firestone has launched a line of SmartWay certified steer, drive and trailer tires aimed at fleets of all sizes, with a renewed focus on small business operators. The launch coincides with a branding campaign -- Those With Drive, Drive a Firestone -- that seeks to position the Firestone dealer network as a partner and trusted advisor to small trucking businesses.

Firestone will promote the line at tire dealers and truckstops where dealers and drivers come into contact. Targeting the replacement market, Firestone wants to position the dealer as the small fleets tire partner and the tires as the best option for total cost of operation.

"Small business owners want a product they can trust to help move their business forward, and developing tires to meet that need is our primary focus," said Bert Jones, manager of Product Marketing, TBR, Retread and OTR at Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, in announcing the product at the Mid-America Trucking Show. "These new Firestone tires are engineered with technological advancements to boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing removal miles. Add in excellent retreadability to extend casing life and it all adds up to a lower cost per mile."

The new tires – FS591 steer, FD691 drive, and FT491 all-position radials – meet EPA SmartWay and California Air Resources Board requirements for fuel efficiency without sacrificing removal miles. Each tire features patented NanoPro-Tech polymer technology that limits energy loss for improved rolling resistance and optimum fuel efficiency. Plus, an innovative sidewall design utilized in each tire reduces overall tire weight to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing durability.

• FS591 Steer Radial combines low rolling resistance tread and energy-saving casing design to optimize fuel efficiency. The FS591 features a wide, deep tread and proprietary shoulder design for greater removal mileage and irregular wear resistance. The ULTI-Rib and Defense Side Groove designs promote smooth wear while a continuous shoulder offers long, even wear and lower rolling resistance.

• FD691 Drive Radial features a continuous shoulder design and high-rigidity tread pattern to promote long, even wear, helping increase tread life and lower rolling resistance. Flow-through design evacuates water to increase road grip. The tire’s optimized bead design and proprietary compound found in the sidewall lowers rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency throughout the lifecycle of the casing.

  

• FT491 All-Position Radial features ULTI-Rib and Defense Groove designs to combat the initiation and spread of irregular wear. Sidewall protector ribs help protect the casing from curbing damage and abrasion. Plus, wider tread spreads load over a larger area, distributing footprint pressure to promote long, smooth wear. The wider design also takes a full-size drive cap when retreaded for extended life.

 As well, Firestone has introduced the FS820 designed for steer, drive and trailer positions for on- and off-highway service. It features stone rejector platforms to protect belts from potential damage and the deep and wide tread provides excellent traction, increased wear life, and improved handling.

The FS820 has five-rib design for longer mileage and retreadability, and all-steel casing construction and cap/base compounding to help resist cuts and improve durability and retreadability. The multiple zigzag pattern offers better grip to help promote wet traction It's available in three sizes: 11R22.5 (16 PR), 11R24.5 (16 PR) – available now; and 315/80R22.5 (20 PR) – available later in 2013.