If you are a regular reader you may have heard that I went on an awesome press trip to Monaco/Cannes a couple of weeks ago with Bridgestone Tyres. I have already shared lots of lovely pictures and a video, so now I will reveal all about the product we were there to see. We had been told it was the launch of a game changing product and we were excited to finally be at the reveal.
The venue for the launch was the amazing Château de Crémat in Nice, set on top of the hills with amazing views.
After refreshments and a spot of mingling, it was time to go through the tunnel of concern to where the launch would take place. The tunnel was a strange experience; it simulated what it would be like to have a flat tyre, at night with a child on board. There were screens displaying text messages about the puncture, smoke, screens showing rain, a baby crying and warning signs. It was quite realistic and did evoke an emotional reaction; we could all put ourselves in that position.
If you were stranded at the side of the road, in the dark, with your child, miles from anywhere, how much would you pay to click your fingers and be at home? This is something we started to consider, as we imagined ourselves stranded, wishing we were safe at home.
An amazing dancer entertained us, before the MD of Bridgestone greeted us to explain more.
The product being launched was DriveGuard. A tyre with the technology to allow you to continue driving with a puncture for 50miles at 50mph per hour; enough time to get home or to a place of safety. With DriveGuard you no longer run the risk of being stranded.
This video gives you a snapshot of the unveiling, it was quite exciting.
DriveGuard features breakthrough technologies that make this new product a game changer;
- They can be fitted to all cars regardless of the make or model. All vehicles with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can use Driveguard. If you have an older car you can get TPMS fitted for around £150.
- DriveGuard uses supportive and tough reinforced sidewalls, which allow drivers to maintain control and continue driving safely and comfortably for 50 miles at up to 50mph after a puncture.
- Exceptional performance with no compromise on wet or rolling resistance meaning DriveGuard are at the frontline of road safety.
- Eco-conscious nature. Bridgestone DriveGuard not only eliminates the need to carry a spare tyre consequently putting less weight on the vehicle, but they are also fully recyclable through the conventional recycling circuit.
60% of drivers have experienced a puncture in the last four years, leading to feelings of helplessness and insecurity combined with lost time of up to 3 hours 6.
“Bridgestone DriveGuard empowers you to keep moving and avoid the immediate burden and unsafe circumstances of a flat tyre; drivers get to choose when and where they have their tyre replaced – within the indicated speed and distance limits. Our revolutionary new technology will considerably contribute to road safety and give drivers additional peace of mind and convenience while on the road,” said Eduardo Minardi, Executive Chairman of Bridgestone EMEA7.
Bridgestone put together this awesome video of the event.
Hannah did a piece to camera sharing her reaction to DriveGuard and then we got our hands dirty! All of these lovely cars had flat tyres and we had to change them. Some had a standard spare, some had a puncture management system, while others had a thin spare tyre.
Although the girls are doing a fabulous impression of being clueless, we did well and got our normal spare tyre changed in double quick time. The only hitch we had was that the spare, when on the car, wasn’t fully inflated. Research shows that most spare tyres are not inflated to the correct pressure. Not ideal when you need them in an emergency.
Then, it was time for a briefing from Stefano Modena, former Formula One driver who participated in 81 Formula One Grand Prix, following his debut on November 15, 1987. Stefano remembered me from the Bridgestone Rome press trip last year, which was lovely.
After being briefed and watching the Bridgestone staff hammer nails into one DriveGuard tyres on each car, Hannah and I got into our car and set off with only the SatNav for direction!
Hannah drove, while I took pictures and videos.
As you can see she was slightly concerned about driving a left hand drive car, with a puncture on the wrong side of the road and I can’t blame her. She did amazingly well though.
Apart from a slight noise, we felt no difference at all; no pulling, no unevenness in the drive. Without the TPMS light on the dash board telling us we had a puncture, we wouldn’t have known. Which is quite amazing when you think about it. I have had a flat tyre before and I certainly knew! In fact, one of the other teams of journalists hit a curb and punctured the other front tyre, so they ended up driving with two flat tyres and they could feel no difference at all.
This was so reassuring, as we were feeling very stressed at the thought of getting that inconvenient flat tyre. As mums, we tend to put our own needs last; we thought about our children and how we would feel if they were on the receiving end of a puncture. Without hesitation I would do anything to ensure Baby is as safe as possible, when she gets to her time to drive. She would have the highest quality, safest tyre in a shot.
So why do I hesitate with my own car? I think we just hope these things won’t happen, but as you can see from the stats for 60% of us will fall victim of a flat sooner rather than later. Often we are in the habit of spending money to rectify problems, rather than prevent them.
Going back to my earlier question, who much would you pay to get home to safety if you were standing in the dark at the side of the road with your child and a flat tyre? I know I would pay more than the 10-15% premium on these tyres.
Many thanks to Bridgestone for their incredible hospitality and for introducing us to Driveguard; you certainly gave us a lot to think about and we had a blast.
I shared this video in my first post about this awesome press trip, but am re-sharing it here too in case you missed it.
Would you consider using DriveGuard tyres on your car? When was the last time you had a flat?
Disclosure: I was taken on a complimentary press trip but was not required to write this post. All opinions are my own.