Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has introduced what it says is the most fuel-efficient long-haul drive tire in North America, a product that can save hundreds of dollars per year in fuel for the owner of a highway tractor.

The Fuel Max LHD G505D dual-type tire is also virtually equal to wide-base single tires in low rolling resistance and fuel efficiency, company executives said during a call-in press conference Wednesday morning.

Available since Sept. 1 in size 295/75R22.5, the LHD G505D will replace the G305AC LHD, which will phase out over several months.

The new tire uses a combination of rubber compounding, casing construction and tread design to achieve low rolling resistance while retaining good traction, said Brian Buckham, general manager, product marketing, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems.

Tests at the company’s track near San Angelo, Tex., proved the LHD G505D superior to several competitors’ tires in fuel efficiency, and equal to or better in wet and dry traction of concrete and asphalt surfaces, he said. No third-party witnesses verified the results.

Savings of 0.9%, 1.3% and 2% against three comparable competitive tires would yield dollar savings of  $672, $896 and $1,440 in fuel savings per truck, per year, Buckham said.

“This tire is a must-have for fleets that are serious about reducing their cost-per-mile,” he said.

In addition to superior fuel economy, the Goodyear Fuel Max LHD G505D also features:

• A highly siped center rib and lateral grooves to help enhance all-season traction,

• Goodyear’s Tredlock Technology, which contains interlocking micro-grooves and a wide tread to help stabilize the tread for long life and enhanced toughness,

• A steel-belt casing package for toughness, endurance and robust retreadability, and

• Penetration protectors to help resist stone drilling, which also enhances casing retreadability.

The new tire is being EPA SmartWay verified, said Andrea Russell, a Goodyear brand manager.