European drivers have positive views on many aspects of all-season tire usage in milder winter conditions, according to an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of the Goodyear group which recently launched its next-generation Dunlop All Season 2 tire. The study, conducted in seven European countries1, showed that all-season and winter tires are perceived by a meaningful group of drivers as delivering equally well on “safety while driving”, “comfort while driving” and “mileage”.
Key drivers to all-season tire popularity
All-season tires offer a good balance between summer and winter tires, with technology that enables them to perform well all year round, in a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures.
The study showed that winter tires are perceived as better for grip and braking on snowy and icy roads, with almost two-thirds of respondents declaring such a view. This comes in line with Dunlop’s recommendation for drivers to use winter tires in severe winter conditions.
Asked about opinion on other aspects – such as performance on wet and dry roads, mileage, safety and comfort while driving – a meaningful group of drivers shared positive views on all-season tires:
When it comes to grip and braking on wet roads, the study shows that one third (34%) of surveyed drivers perceive all-season tires as good as winter tires.
When referring to grip and braking on dry roads, more than two thirds (68%) said that all-season tires were equally good or better than winter tires.
More than one third (36%) of drivers believe that “safety while driving” and “comfort while driving” on all-season tires are equally good as for winter tires. For mileage, 31% of respondents assess it as “equally good”.
A growing and maturing segment
The all-season tire segment is projected to grow by an estimated 6.7% each year between 2024 and 2029.
This type of tire is an attractive option for drivers who want to skip seasonal tire swaps and save time and money by avoiding the cost of replacement and storage. The study found that most European drivers have neutral or slightly positive experiences when changing tires, but a significant proportion (1 out of 4) have negative experiences which might nudge them towards all-season tires.
The all-season segment growth also correlates to the overall technological improvements being made in the sector. Dunlop All Season 2 is the result of more than 12,500 hours of research and development during an 18-month evolution process and is packed with innovative technologies that provide competitive performance and mileage. Dunlop All Season 2 has recently achieved a successful magazine test debut being awarded “Eco-Master” and “best” in mileage, ranking “good” overall in the latest Auto Bild all-season tire test3. Editors praised the tire for its “balanced good performance level without serious weaknesses” and “best mileage in the test”.
Dunlop’s new tire was made to answer the needs of drivers who want to be well prepared before getting behind the wheel. Launched this year, All Season 2 was engineered to provide effective braking in all weather conditions, good handling on wet and dry roads and high mileage. It also provides good value for money, being defined as one of the key priorities by 51% of drivers as concluded in another consumer study4. The tire fits a wide range of modern vehicles, such as popular city cars and SUVs.
Sonia Leneveu, Director Marketing Consumer EMEA, Goodyear said: “The new Dunlop All Season 2 tire is dedicated to consumers who seek peace of mind through tried and tested tires, offering confidence to enjoy the drive. Dunlop understands this need and has developed its next-generation all-season tire as the answer.
“With the new Dunlop All Season 2 tire, we complete our offering for consumers in many parts of Europe who seek greater convenience in regions with milder winters. Supported by Dunlop’s 130-year history, this tire provides a reliable and convenient alternative to seasonal tire changes.”
The technology behind the tire
There are three main elements that underline the advanced technology in Dunlop All Season 2:
3D Blading is a key design feature that enables an increased stiffness across both wet and dry braking and provides numerous biting edges for better traction on snow.
Optimized carcass shape using robust structural materials to increase stability – this feature enhances handling on wet as well as on dry roads.
Optimized footprint: Tire contact patch is optimized to deliver a more uniform pressure distribution and long-lasting treadwear.
The supply of Dunlop All Season 2 began in February, and the new tire will be gradually available throughout 2024 in 59 SKUs, ranging from 14 to 19 inches.