Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are known for their work in the development of eco-friendly vehicles. Yokohama Tire Corporation, a Japanese company, is also on the forefront in the fight against the destruction of the environment. At the SEMA Show, the Japanese tire maker will showcase its green technologies in front of auto industry heavyweights.
The Japanese manufacturer of high quality tires has been a strong ally of environmentalists for the greening of their manufacturing facilities. The tiremaker is also known for its development of tires with an increased tread life meaning consumers would have to replace their rubber tires less often contributing to the preservation of the environment.
At the upcoming auto industry-related event, the Japanese company will be showcasing a 2008 Tesla Roadster in its booth. The said event is scheduled to be held from October 30 until November 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The showcasing of the Tesla Roadster which runs on electricity is part of Yokohama's environmental theme at the said event.
The Tesla Roadster is one of the most advanced electric vehicles today. It runs on electricity with thousands of Li-ion batteries mounted on a box and placed where the engine should be. These batteries are rechargeable and it only takes about four hours to fully charge the car. The powerplant is the only thing that differs between the Tesla Roadster and other sports car. The said electric car also has conventional auto parts such as shocks, transmission, steering gear, and other auto components.
The said electric car will be equipped with a tire especially developed for the vehicle by Yokohama which is the ADVAN Neova AD01 LTS tires which is the standard tire for the electric vehicle.
Apart from that, Yokohama will also be showcasing a turbo bio-diesel Dakar Rally Toyota Land Cruiser which is equipped with Geolandar A/T-S tires. An eco-friendly tire will also be showcased by Yokohama at the event. Said tire is made out of a new compound called "Super Nano Power Rubber". It is developed by Yokohama by combining citrus oil and natural rubber. Said technology cuts down the consumption of petroleum products in the manufacturing of tires.
Jim MacMaster, the Yokohama executive vice president, Business Division, said: "Partnering with Tesla on the electric Roadster is in line with Yokohama’s corporate mandate, which is to reduce its environmental impact in every way possible. It’s a way of thinking, an environmental conscience."
Martin Eberhard, the president of technology and co-founder of Tesla Motors, meanwhile added: "Using Yokohama’s ADVAN tires on the Tesla Roadster was an easy decision. ADVANs are the only tires on the market that combine high-performance capability with low rolling resistance, making them perfect for our electric sports car."
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