New Vredestein Ultrac+ summer tyre delivers up to 30% improvement in mileage
Apollo Tyres Ltd is launching a new premium summer tyre, the Vredestein Ultrac+, that delivers dramatic improvements in longevity compared to the outgoing Ultrac while maintaining its predecessor’s segment-leading comfort and highly competitive wet and dry handling capabilities. Available from January 2025, the Ultrac+ will be offered in 70 different sizes, from 15 to 20 inches, making it ideally suited for a very wide selection of family and compact cars.
The longevity of the tyre has been enhanced by its ‘square’ footprint and the use of a new, cutting-edge tread compound. The company’s internal test processes have identified that the ‘projected mileage’ of the Ultrac+ has been improved by up to 30% compared to the Ultrac, while ‘abrasion loss’ has been reduced by up to 30% – both factors ensure the tyre will last much longer and have a lower environmental impact. Additionally, rolling resistance has been cut by 3% compared to the Ultrac, helping to maximise driving range and greatly reduce whole-life cost.
Two leading independent testing and engineering companies have separately conducted comprehensive evaluations of the new Ultrac+ (in 225/45 R17 94Y XL size) to rate its capabilities in the highly competitive summer tyre segment. IFV GmbH assessed the Ultrac+’s longevity, while Applus+ IDIADA evaluated the performance of the tyre in the wet and dry, as well as its comfort. Both testing organisations benchmarked the Ultrac+ against leading premium-brand rivals.
The reduced apex height and enlarged ‘flex zone’ in the sidewall of the Ultrac+ play a key role in delivering a quiet and comfortable ride. In addition, the optimised pitch sequence from the Ultrac has been retained in the Ultrac+ and optimised for different tyre diameters. Applus+ IDIADA found that the Ultrac+ retains the Ultrac’s leading comfort, aided by its low noise levels and smooth ride quality.
Developed by the Apollo Tyres Global R&D Centre Europe, in Enschede, the Netherlands, the Ultrac+ features a centre rib with parabolic lateral grooves which enhance steering response and precision for a safe and dynamic driving experience. To deliver an excellent balance in wear and braking performance, the new tyre benefits from next-generation tread compound technology, including a high level of silica, a traction-enhancing resin and a multi-functional polymer.
Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial, Europe at Apollo Tyres Ltd, commented: “Our product development process is guided by detailed analysis of customer feedback, as well as by evaluation of market-leading rival products. We found that the Ultrac was highly competitive across all key criteria apart from longevity, so that became a core focus for the team charged with designing and testing the new Ultrac+. Vredestein summer tyres have been produced since 1912, and it’s highly gratifying to have the capabilities of this latest Vredestein product in the category validated through independent testing. We’re proud to bring to market a product that delivers premium standards of performance at an accessible price point.”
