Page 6 - CTB N15 - 2016-03

NEWS
Goodyear Emphasises Truck Tyre Influence on CO2 Emissions
Michelin Expands Accidental Damage Guarantee for Regional Tyre
CommercialTyre
Management
and Fleet Business
Goodyear has voiced its opinion on the debate regarding the integrated efforts to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the transport industry. The leading tyre manufacturer highlights the effect that recent developments in the truck tyre market have had on significantly reducing CO2 emissions made by commercial vehicles, whilst also pointing out the effectiveness that the EU tyre label has had in reducing CO2 levels across the transport
disclosed that the introduction of the EU tyre label in 2012 now clearly shows the efficiency of these tyres and how the selection of the truck tyres with the best fuel efficiency grade is a simple yet critical task. Expanding on this, Rzonzef explained that, “it also has the added benefit that it reduces the total cost of ownership for fleet operators. By encouraging truck operators simply to change their tyres from a C to a B-grade in fuel efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions
Michelin is extending its accidental damage guarantee for regional tyres across the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI). This should significantly increase the range of fitments covered
that they must be registered with either a local tyre dealer or their local Michelin account manager.
The refund for the X Multi Guarantee is calculated against the remaining
Goodyear illuminate the fuel savings made by using their FUELMAX range, highlighting a B-grade tyre in comparison with standard C-grade truck tyres
to offer customers further protection against the costs of accidental damage. So, what is ‘Accidental damage’? It is defined as an impact occurring to a registered tyre, rendering it unusable. The policy excludes damage through road accidents, acts of vandalism, fire and natural disasters.
The X Multi Guarantee now covers 37 tyre sizes, including Michelin’s products in the replacement and original equipment markets such as all of the X Multi and X MultiWay regional tyres, in all available sizes. The guarantee commits to refund operators for any accidental damage before a tyre is 50 per cent worn, providing that it’s been registered on Michelin MyAccount, the company’s dedicated customer web portal, within one month of purchase. The web portal allows operators to activate a guarantee on a registered tyre in 4 clicks. The slight difference for ROI customers is
tread depth, and is based on a fixed price of £385 for 22.5” tyres, £300 for 19.5” fitments and £200 for 17.5” tyres.
Chris Smith, Head of Truck Marketing at Michelin, revealed that Michelin annually invests over €700m in research and development to guarantee that they have confidence in the hard wearing nature of the tyres. This is because, according to Smith, fleets that specify budget tyres tend to do so, as they believe accidental tyre damage occurs regardless of whether a vehicle is shod with premium tyres or a cheaper alternative.
“Michelin tyres are designed to be particularly durable, and offer superior on-road performance, fuel efficiency and safety over a long service life,” Smith added. “Extending our accidental damage guarantee demonstrates the confidence we have in our tyres.”
industry. Finally, the company have also underlined the importance of selecting the correct truck tyre in lowering levels of CO2 for transport companies at an industry wide level. Goodyear claim that the wider use of rolling resistance-optimised truck tyres like its FUELMAX range, have the ability to significantly reduce emissions of CO2 whilst cutting fuel consumption. Calculations made using Goodyear’s fleet fuel calculator have illuminated that by changing from C-grade tyres in the EU fuel efficiency tyre label category to B-grade FUELMAX tyres on a standard European 40 tonne truck and trailer that travels 78,000 km per year, could lead to an approximate reduction in CO2 emissions of 3.2 tonnes per year.
Michel Rzonzef, Vice President Commercial Business Goodyear Europe, Middle East and Africa,
can be reduced by approximately 3.2 tonnes per vehicle per year.” These changes according to Rzonzef corresponds to possible annual savings of more than €1,300 per vehicle. Once again this statistic was arrived at by using their fleet fuel calculator with a 40 tonne five-axle truck and semi-trailer travelling 78,000 kms per year.
ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) recently presented a study assessed work carried out by TML (Transport & Mobility Leuven). The study stated that an integrated approach, including all actors within the road transport sector, has the potential to double the annual CO2 reduction rate from trucks. According to Goodyear a key element in realising this goal would be the fitment of fuel efficient truck tyres on existing trucks in Europe.
Trelleborg Announces Price Increase for UK Agricultural and Forestry Tyres
Trelleborg has announced a six percent price increase on agricultural and forestry tyres in the U.K. This price increase is due to come into effect from August 1st 2016.
Trelleborg Wheel Systems is a global supplier of tyres and complete wheel systems for agricultural and forest machinery and other materials-handling vehicles, with
the company having 3,295 employees and manufacturing facilities in Italy, Latvia, China, Sri Lanka, Sweden and the U.S.A.
The price rise, which includes Trelleborg branded tyres for agricultural, forestry and light agricultural application, is driven by the recent sharp decline of the value of sterling against the euro.
6 Commercial Tyre Business