Van and motorhome drivers are being offered extra protection with a puncture-resistant and ultra-strong material used to make bullet-proof vests and racing drivers’ crash helmets.

Finnish company, Nokian – the world’s most northerly-based tyre manufacturer – says its ultra-tough Aramid design is perfect for these vehicles which may often be driven over rough ground where a combination of heavy loads and gravel terrain can easily cause punctures. Nokian’s Aramid tyres are already popular among SUV owners. Petri Niemi, Head of Product and Pricing Management for Nokian Tyres, said: “Van and campervan tyres are often in hard use. The vehicles are heavy and they are often driven fully loaded on poor roads, on gravel and over kerbstones. The tyres must bear the entire weight of the vehicle and provide safe and stable handling under all conditions. “We want to offer van and campervan drivers the same durability that the users of our SUV tyres are already receiving. In addition to protecting against surprising additional costs caused by tyre damage, Aramid fibre also ensures that the cargo can reach its destination without trouble.” At the core of the design is the Aramid fibre added into the innovative sidewall structure which protects it against damage from kerb edges and potholes. It is used extensively in the defence and aerospace industries.