Page 14 - CTB n6 - 2014-02

CV SHOW REVIEW
Michelin Gives Global Preview of New Trailer Tyre
Michelin marked its return to the CV Show in 2014 with an exclusive global preview of its new 385/65 R 22.5 X Multi T trailer tyre, which is scheduled for European launch this summer. The CV Show was the first event that this new tyre has been displayed to the public, an indication, according to Michelin,
The 65-series X Multi T stands out for featuring Carbion in its rubber compound, a revolutionary new material developed by Michelin that considerably increases mileage performance with a far greater resistance to abrasion.
Under nominal conditions the operating temperature for this new tyre is 6°C lower* than the same
size Michelin XTE3 fitment it will replace. This alone is a key step in helping to drive down wear rates and optimise fuel efficiency. The X Multi T will be manufactured in European ISO 14001 certified factories and is both regroovable and retreadable. It is rated ‘B’ for rolling resistance, ‘B’ for wet grip and has a noise rating
of just 69dB under EU tyre labelling regulations. It also carries M+S markings as an indication of suitability for use in mud and snow conditions.
Full performance data for the new tyre will be available at launch this summer, although it is understood that the new tyre will offer a 10% increase in mileage over its predecessor with prices remaining the same.
Also making its
debut show
appearance in the UK was Michelin’s new 315/80 R 22.5 X Line Energy range for trucks and
coaches. This new 80- series fuel-saving tyre is available as a ‘Z’ multi- position tyre and a ‘D’ drive-axle fitment, both of which were launched throughout Europe in March 2014.
The new 80-series fitments offer the optimum choice for fleets operating primarily on motorways and major trunk roads, where vehicles cover in excess of 110,000 km a year at average speeds greater than 70 km/h and with limited stops per day.
Compared with the same-size tyres in the previous-generation Michelin X Energy SaverGreen line-up, the
new Michelin X Line Energy tyres last up to 5 per cent longer for drive axle tyres and 14 per cent for the multi-position tyre.
Key to their performance is a new- generation Energy Flex casing that reduces fuel consumption over the tyre’s full life by limiting heat build- up due to the repeated flexing of the tyre when in use. They also feature a new robust five-rib tread design for optimum grip, wider tread shoulders for greater longevity and superior braking performance, plus full depth sipes for greater traction.
They also feature key innovations introduced in 2012 with the 70- series X Line Energy tyre, including TowerPump sipes, which improve
resistance for improved fuel consumption. Full-depth sipes offer excellent handling from the first to the last kilometre, whilst new tyre architecture delivers a notable -5dB reduction in noise. Last but not least, Michelin was exhibiting two examples from its popular LCV tyre range, including a summer and a cold weather fitment.
The 235/65 R 16 Agilis+ represents the latest Michelin van tyre on the market, which has been designed to help fleets combine efficiency and safety, while also reducing operating costs by being more fuel efficient and offering greater longevity than previous generations of Michelin van tyres.
Bibendum reveals Michelin’s new trailer tyre at the CV Show
Michelin X Multi T
of the importance of the UK and Irish markets to the French manufacturer.
“The 385/65 R 22.5 is the second most popular commercial vehicle tyre size sold domestically and accounts for approximately 16 per cent of all tyres sold in this sector,” explained Sharn Samra, Michelin’s Head of Truck Marketing in the UK and Ireland. “We see huge potential for the new X Multi T; it’s a potential industry game-changer for its leap in trailer tyre performance.”
grip and tear-resistance in extreme conditions of use, coupled with innovative Delta sipes which reduce braking distances and improve grip when cornering on slipper y road surfaces.
Both the new steer and drive tyres deliver outstanding energy efficiency with a ‘B’ rating for rolling resistance under EU tyre labelling regulations.
Also on display was the 215/75 R 17.5 X Multi D, Michelin’s new drive axle tyre for medium weight trucks and midi-coaches. This new tyre is safer, more fuel-efficient, quieter and lasts longer than the XDE2 tyre it replaced.
Its launch late last year marks Michelin’s response to environmental, economic and regulator y changes which have been introduced since the previous generation XDE2 tyres were launched in 2005.
The X Multi D offers 18 per cent more tyre life than its predecessor and 12 per cent lower rolling
Key features built into Agilis+ tyres include sidewall kerbing protectors, with the sidewall rubber compound derived from truck tyre compounds giving excellent abrasion resistance, and reducing kerbing damage – a regular occurrence on vehicles carrying out multi-drop work in urban areas. This feature also helps to make it even more resistant to day-to-day wear and tear.
The Agilis+ was joined by a cold weather tyre in the same 235/65 R 16 size. Popular with emergency services operators, home-delivery fleets and utility companies, the Agilis Alpin delivers enhanced performance in three key areas: safety, longevity and robustness.The Agilis Alpin is used successfully by many UK fleets as an all year round fitment, says Michelin.
Michelin X-Line Energy
14 Commercial Tyre Business