Abstract
This is a summary of work by the author and his colleagues, as well as by others reported in the literature, that demonstrate a need for considering a vehicle, its tires, and the road surface as a system. The central theme is interaction at the footprint, especially that of truck tires. Individual and interactive effects of road and tires are considered under the major topics of road aggregate (macroscopic and microscopic properties), development of a novel road surface, safety, noise, rolling resistance, riding comfort, water drainage by both road and tire, development of tire tread compounds and a proving ground, and influence of tire wear on wet traction. A general conclusion is that road surfaces have both the major effect and the greater potential for improvement.