Apollo Tyres has received an international recognition for its ‘Air Master by Vredestein’. This unique invention by the company received the prestigious DKG Product Award in the category “Technical Rubber Products and Tyres” at the International Rubber Conference.
The flexible and variable front spoiler, a highly innovative system made from a special rubber compound, was developed in an exclusive partnership with the German premium OEM for its top segment sports cars. It can be applied on all premium sports cars.
Held once in three years, the International Rubber Conference, organised by the Deutsche Kautschukgesellschaft e.V. (DKG) in Nuremberg, Germany, from June 29 to July 2, hosted some 150 lectures by leading speakers from around the world, while 270 exhibitors showcased their products, premieres and innovations at a parallel exhibition. The DKG Product Awards were presented to the winners of the various categories at the conference.
The Award for Apollo Tyres is a testimony to the strong R&D emphasis at the company. Innovative products such as the Air Master by Vredestein and Vredestein Space Master have reinforced Apollo’s position as a supplier of technologically advanced premium tyres.
Strong and elastic material
The variable front spoiler is made from a specially developed EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber compound. This rubber is very strong and elastic and has superior weather resistance. At low speeds, the spoiler retracts under the bumper to give the car sufficient ground clearance. At higher speeds, it extends on the outside so as to optimise the airflow around the wheels and reduce fuel consumption.
In performance mode, the spoiler is fully extended and provides additional downforce on the front wheels, leading to exceptionally good road-holding. The spoiler, powered pneumatically, realises its required shape by means of several air chambers.
The entire system was developed by a dedicated team at the Apollo Tyres’ Global R&D Centre in Enschede, the Netherlands.