Apollo uses silica compounds in S Africa

Durban, South Africa - Apollo Tyres' factory in Ladysmith, South Africa is using siica compounds to make ultra-high performance tyres.

The company has added the compound to its range of tyres for the domestic, South African market in W- and Z- speed ratings

Danie Langner, technical director at Dunlop South Africa said, "by replacing some of the traditional carbon black compound with silica we have substantially reduced the rolling resistance of our tyres. In fact, tests indicate that, provided the tyres are maintained at the correct pressure our silica compound will reduce rolling resistance by 20% or more. This means that less fuel is required to propel the vehicle forward with a 20% reduction in rolling resistance translating into a 5% reduction in fuel consumption. That's a significant saving; basically your Dunlop tyres will now pay for themselves over their lifespan.”