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Southern Africa’s trucking sector faces constant pressure on operating costs and keeping tyre expenses under control is an ongoing challenge. Premium tyres from leading global manufacturers offer superb casings and tread performance but escalating prices put them beyond the reach of many operators. Budget imports may seem attractive but there’s a snag – their inferior casing quality often prevents retreading, increasing long-term costs and waste.
Over the past decade, Southern Africa’s truck tyre market has been flooded with low-cost imports, offering operators a seemingly affordable solution to rising running costs, but ultimately harming long-term fleet efficiency.
“The influx of cheap tyres has reduced the retreadability of our national truck tyre parc by around 25%,” says Monal Naik, Marketing Manager of Bandag Southern Africa.
“Many casings from cheap imported tyres are simply not designed to be retreaded, which drives up long-term costs for operators and increases environmental waste. Bandag’s approach of retreading premium casings provides a reliable alternative that restores tyre performance and supports sustainable fleet operations.”
Bandag SA’s proven alternative is backed by a 60-year track record of supplying the Southern African market with tyres that are ‘the best of both worlds’. By retreading premium casings with advanced tread designs, Bandag produces tyres that are effectively ‘near new’, delivering peak performance at a more affordable price.
Not only are Bandag SA’s tyre manufacturing processes ISO-accredited but they are also fully aligned with global industrial cradle-to-grave environmental policies.
“At heart, Bandag SA embraces a ‘glocal’ approach to product development whereby global Bridgestone-Bandag R&D and engineering expertise are applied to Bandag SA’s tyre manufacturing processes,” adds Naik.
“New tyre and tread prototypes undergo extensive real-world trials in local operating conditions. Once proven, these new products are then supplied to the Southern African trucking industry via a fully supportive franchise dealer network that is routinely audited by Bandag SA service engineers to ensure truck fleet customers receive optimum quality, service and support.”
Introducing Bandag’s New Tyre Treads
In line with its philosophy of continuous improvement in tread design, Bandag SA has launched two new products to meet the evolving demands of Southern African fleets: the R-DRIVE 001+ for drive applications and the R-TRAILER 002 for super single trailer axles. Both have been rigorously tested across multiple Southern African fleets to ensure performance, durability and versatility in real-world conditions.
Built to Outperform – NEW R-DRIVE 001+
The R-DRIVE 001+ has been engineered to deliver extended tyre life for the exacting demands of regional and long-haul operations. Drawing on insights shared from global R&D and benchmarked through extensive local testing, the R-DRIVE 001+ has been put through its paces across six local fleets, covering more than 3 million kilometres of trials, consistently delivering exceptional traction, stability and mileage performance.
“The R-DRIVE 001+ combines everything we’ve learned from global engineering and in-field testing to deliver a product that truly answers the needs of Southern African fleets,” explains Naik. “Its innovative unidirectional design, new INFINITY tread compound and unique bond between casing and tread ensure peak performance, while shoulder stabiliser bars enhance stability, handling and durability across all major drive tyre sizes.”
From Gauteng’s busy streets to the demanding terrain of the Lowveld, the R-DRIVE 001+ keeps trucks moving efficiently, extending tyre life and reducing operating costs.
Roll with Confidence – NEW R-TRAILER 002
For trailer applications, Bandag SA introduces the R-TRAILER 002, a super single tread designed for durability and all-year usability. Its unique pattern features Y-shaped grooves to reduce irregular wear, while integrated water drainage channels provide reliable performance in wet and dry conditions.
“Every detail of the R-TRAILER 002 was designed with fleet operators in mind,” says Naik. “The new mini wing enhances resistance to cracks and tearing, giving drivers the confidence to roll safely with every load.”
Extensively tested on Southern African roads, the R-TRAILER 002 delivers improved tread longevity, predictable performance and operational reliability, setting a new benchmark in the super single trailer segment.
Scrap Tyre Insights = Smarter Tyre Management
Bandag SA’s commitment to continuous improvement extends to its extensive scrap tyre analysis programme. Studying tyres at the end of their life provides invaluable insight into wear patterns, failure points and the root causes of tyre degradation.
This data informs retread design and compound selection while equipping fleet operators with actionable knowledge to optimise maintenance, reduce unplanned downtime and enhance profitability.
Sharing these insights through Bandag’s network and digital tools such as the ProApp suite ensures fleets benefit from a cycle of learning that turns real-world experience into smarter, cost limiting tyre management.
Best for Business, the Environment and Society
Bandag SA’s technology goes beyond premium tread design, delivering real fleet tyre management intelligence. Tools like the ProApp suite allow franchise dealers and operators to track tyre performance, optimise retreading cycles and share best-practice insights across their customers.
This approach improves profitability through extended tyre life, supports environmental care via cradle-to-grave reuse, and sustains skilled jobs in Bandag’s franchise network and the wider tyre service sector.
Smarter technology, practical knowledge and social responsibility combine to keep Southern African fleets moving efficiently, sustainably and competitively.
Bandag – Built for Better
With the launch of the R-DRIVE 001+ and R-TRAILER 002, Bandag SA continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, affordability and sustainability (for fleets, jobs and the environment). By combining global engineering insight with local validation and offering products optimised for Southern Africa’s unique operating conditions, Bandag SA and its franchise network provide fleets with the confidence to operate efficiently, reduce costs and extend tyre life – all while adhering to an environmental philosophy that creates a universally beneficial circular truck tyre economy.
For further information contact Monal Naik, Marketing Manager of
Bandag Southern Africa at info@bandag.co.za or visit
www.bandag.co.za
