Avon unveiled its new AV12 van tyre at the Fleet Live show, with lower rolling resistance and a stronger sidewall.

The AV12 has 10% less rolling resistance than its predecessor, the AV11, and the saving in fuel costs is expected to make it appealing to fleet van operators.

Avon says it has used lessons learnt from its rally tyres to make the sidewalls stronger and more resistant to damage with protective kerbing ‘wear ribs’ 1.5mm deep. A prominent sidewall ‘buffer’ 6mm wider than before also reduces kerbing damage.

It has Avon’s first silica rich compound commercial van tyre and improves wet braking by 5%.

The Wiltshire-based company says its fitment range covers more than 80% of the van tyre market.