VEHICLE, TYRE, ROAD INTERACTION - THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Each individual industry representing the vehicle, tyre and road manuf acturers has discussed the subject of vehicle, tyre and road interacti on from their respective isolated positions.(1,2) This has resulted in mistakes in product development, the incorrect setting of priorities and the publication of recriminations by one group against another.(3) These activities have not always helped the enhancement of the road t ransport system, the success of which relates directly to the success of the tyre, vehicle and road manufacturer. This paper reviews the cur rent research that is aimed at enhancing the mathematical simulation o f the vehicle, tyre and road system and consolidating the existing kno wledge and future needs of the road transport industry. The paper conc ludes that, if the road transport system is to develop further as a sa fe, efficient and environmentally friendly method of transport, develo pments are urgently needed including the introduction of the concept o f 'road surface type approval testing'.