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This acclaimed auto show, of which Goodyear has been a part for over 30 years, is held in particularly high esteem by journalists, experts and buyers for its comprehensive view of current offers, new trends, available technologies and future developments – and this year was no different.

Attended by over 680 000* visitors and 11 300+* media representatives, the show featured all the latest innovations and offerings in the automotive industry, presented by manufacturers, exhibitors, service providers, garage owners, suppliers, sales persons and other automotive brand representatives.

One of the most talked about innovations at this year’s show was the model of a self-driving car, the car of the future, which some people claim will become a must in years to come.

Just like connected cars, self-driving cars make use of all the latest technologies – be they software programmes or high-performance cameras – to analyse the landscape by means of shape recognition, and then using algorithms to send instructions to the vehicle’s controls.

They might be the solution to reduce the number of accidents, traffic jams or even car parks in city centres (they would park on their own in suburban areas).

But of course, this innovative autonomous vehicle will need a very unique set of tyres…

* As recorded at the International Geneva Motor Show 2015.

After 117 years of making tyres, Goodyear presented a vision of a future tyre that looks radically different from tyres today – it’s a sphere. Goodyear unveiled its latest concept tyre, Eagle-360, at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. The spherical, 3-D printed tyre highlights Goodyear’s vision for the future and presents an inspiring solution for when autonomous driving is expected to be more mainstream.

Spherical shape for ultimate manoeuvrability and safety

The unique spherical shape of the Goodyear Eagle-360 could contribute to safety and manoeuvrability to match the demands of autonomous mobility. The multi-orientation tyres move in all directions, contributing to passenger safety, and active technology allows the tyre to move as needed to reduce sliding caused by potential hazards.

In addition, the shape provides a smooth ride by creating a fluid, lateral movement. This helps the car to overtake an obstacle without changing its driving direction – and what’s more, as a 3-D printer produces the tread, customising the tyre based on the region where the driver lives is also a possibility.

Finally, because 360-degree turns are possible with this tyre, it could tackle anticipated parking constrictions of the future, as less space will be needed to pull into parking spots.

Connected via magnetic levitation

To connect with the body of the car, the Goodyear Eagle-360 concept tyre relies on magnetic levitation. The tyre is suspended from the car by magnetic fields, similar to magnetic levitation trains, which increase passenger comfort and reduce noise.

Sensors ensure connectivity with car and increase safety

Goodyear imagined another feature, connectivity, to optimise driving conditions in autonomous vehicles. Sensors inside the Eagle-360 concept tyre register the road conditions, including weather and road surface conditions, and communicate this information to the car as well as to other vehicles to enhance safety. Also, leveraging Goodyear’s tread wear and pressure monitoring technology, sensors regulate the wear of the tyre to extend mileage.

Biomimicry – inspired by nature

Elements of the Eagle-360 design showcase biomimicry, which is the imitation of nature, a principle Goodyear often uses in its designs. The tread mimics the pattern of brain coral, and its multidirectional blocks and grooves help to secure a safe contact patch. The grooved bottom has the same elements as a natural sponge, which stiffens when dry yet softens when wet to deliver adequate driving performance and aquaplaning resistance. This texture also absorbs water on the road and ejects water from the tyre footprint through centrifugal force, to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

Dealer Connect recently spent some time with Goodyear Brand Ambassador and presenter of the popular Safari 4x4 Roetes series, André de Villiers. André, who is well known in South African 4x4 and off-road circles, also offers training courses and leads expeditions to Southern African countries. When he’s not busy filming his popular television series, André enjoys spending time 
with family in Mossel Bay and a bit of fishing. We spoke to him about the new Safari 4x4 Roetes series that started airing on Kyknet on 4 April.

Q: How many seasons of Safari 4x4 Roetes have Goodyear been involved in?

A: Safari 4x4 Roetes is now in its 9th season. I started working with Goodyear in 2011 for tyres to be fitted on the vehicles for the 6th season. I did some testing of my own and found the Goodyear AT/SA+ to be most suited to my needs.

Q: What makes the Goodyear Wrangler AT/SA+ tyres fitted to your Amarok so suitable for use during the filming of your series?

A: I prefer the Goodyear Wrangler AT/SA+ for our type of driving and 4x4ing for a number of reasons. Like most other South African 4x4 enthusiasts, we all drive on tar as well as gravel and then also embark on serious off-roading trips with our vehicles. I’m very impressed with the tyre’s traction, wet and dry braking and road holding.

I do a lot of off-road driving and actually spend more time off-road than on-road, but the distances are much shorter thus the % is lower. I am very impressed with the gravel road performance even at high speed, while towing a trailer. The Wrangler AT/SA+ provides extremely good off-road performance in all types of terrain and I am very pleased with the sand driving ability. I have tested the Goodyear AT/SA+ to its limits and beyond. I can confidently advise the public to purchase the Goodyear Wrangler AT/SA+ for their next journey.

Q: What can viewers expect in Season 9 of Safari 4x4 Roetes, that currently airs on kykNET on Mondays at 17:30?

A: Building on the previous season’s success, Safari 4x4 Roetes this year continues its safari. I will show viewers how to manage off-road driving on difficult terrain, whilst concentrating on showcasing South Africa’s unique opportunities in this regard.

When embarking on a safari, it is always important not to attempt this on your own. Should you encounter difficulty on-route, far from civilisation or a town, you might end up in serious trouble. Bearing this in mind, I’m again taking a special guest on safari during the 9th season of Safari 4x4 Roetes.

We travel to the West coast as well as Northern Cape. I also embark on an extended safari, travelling from Pretoria to a destination on the East coast. It comes with a twist – we only travel along gravel roads, yes it is possible!