Every OEM considers overall priorities—Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are among the variables. I know I do pay a great deal of attention to that professionally—as every MPG above/below average impacts the bottom line. This is why our EVs and Hybrids are critical and loved by all who work OEM (love them as they help corporate averages dramatically!).
Lighter, lower density tires, less tread depth, higher psi, on a 6000lb truck with horrific aero efficiency—is simple engineering math to deliver that minuscule bit of documented MPGs. Marketing wise a good spin to promote special P and feathery LTs that ride soft and help with those crucial 0.1, zero-60-zero, gyroscopics, Baja winning, to get to that Starbucks drive through faster than the average bear.
I work for an OEM, but I purchase as a consumer—not a businessman. I consider overall priorities when I purchase tires for our family vehicles (off-road/on-road/MPG/wear/durability/sidewalls/tread depth/grip/ride comfort/cost/etc). Light weight is not one of my parameters for a 1/2 ton that isn’t racing for pinks, nor trying to save 1/2 mpg.
If light weight is a priority to anyone—please understand, it impacts every variable to one extent or another.
NOTE: 100% nerd here. If good looking tires are important to you, and you want maximum acceleration-deceleration—please do not only consider the weight—but Rotational Inertia (where weight is concentrated closer-further from the hub center (you can find the formulas if you are inclined, but it matters more than many consider in wheels/tires).
NOTE2: One of my direct reports is a hard-core engineer, and sharper than I in every way. I am 6’2”, 170lbs, and my wife is 5’4”, 115lbs (total=285lbs). He is 5’9”, 245lbs, and his wife weighs 180-190lb easily (his words—not mine, total=425lbs approx). When we start getting granular in calculating things—I point out that my truck can carry more than his based on ratings. Yes, every detail matters—to those who are engineering everything to a sharp edge.
Enjoy all!
