Goodyear Becomes First Tire Manufacturer to Buy Driving Simulators to Refine Tire Technologies

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced that it has bought new VI-grade driving simulators, including a dynamic model. This makes Goodyear the first tire manufacturer to make such a purchase in order to enhance product development capabilities.

Goodyear purchased a COMPACT Simulator that was recently delivered to the tire manufacturer’s innovation center in Luxembourg. A Dynamic Driving Simulator DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) will be shortly in use at the company’s Akron, Ohio facility.

Commenting on the purchase of driving simulators, Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s senior vice president and chief technology officer said that the use of the new machines to provide an advanced level of simulation sophistication will help Goodyear to drive breakthroughs in future tire creation. The company will thus be able to provide customers with an enhanced customer and driver experience.

Helsel said, “I’m proud to say that Goodyear is leading the industry with VI-grade and our simulation solutions, and we look forward to sharing that benefit with our customers.”

The automotive industry in general is leaning towards the use of artificial intelligence and virtual technologies for the development of better products. The new driving simulators will make it possible for Goodyear to work more collaboratively with automobile manufacturers on original equipment fitments.

The driving simulators will be used for virtual development and tuning of dynamic performances of tires, and this will facilitated by their ability to replicate a wide range of driving conditions.

“We are delighted to report on the adoption of our driving simulators at Goodyear,” said Guido Bairati, VP Global Sales and Marketing, VI-grade. “Goodyear’s vision to purchase and work with us on a dedicated training program to ensure efficiency in operation of these simulators will give it a distinct competitive advantage.”