Haulier cuts fuel bill by 5% with Michelin X Line Energy tyres19 March 2014

Haulier Dixon International has switched to Michelin X Line Energy tyres across its fleet, after a trial revealed it could cut its fuel bill by more than 5% – a saving tht amounts to more than its annual tyre bill.

During a six-month trial, three tractor units were fitted with Michelin 315/70 R 22.5 X Line Energy tyres and fuel performance was compared with three tractors fitted with the fleet's existing tyre brand.

Tested on its typical long-distance, high-speed European routes, the Michelin-fitted vehicles delivered an average 5.2% reduction in fuel.

The Dublin-based company immediately decided to switch to a Michelin replacement policy, as well as specifying them on new trucks and trailers.

Michelin X Line Energy tyres have now been factory fitted to 20 new Volvo FH tractor units, which have joined the fleet of 110 trucks and 170 trailers.

"We use around 500,000 litres of fuel a month and, based on the results of the tests, we could save more than 300,000 litres a year once the whole fleet has converted to Michelin," says Michael Dixon, director.

"The cost of that fuel saving would be more than our yearly tyre bill. So by changing to Michelin, we're effectively getting free tyres."

Dixon also plans to fit X Line Energy tyres to its trailers.

"We are awaiting delivery of 30 new Schmitz Cargobull trailers arriving on X Line Energy tyres, so we hope to see even greater savings once the whole truck and trailer combination is operating on Michelin's fuel-saving tyres," comments Dixon.

Tyres are being supplied by dealer A One Tyres; Dixon's technicians fit the replacements as and when required.

Dixon will also regroove the X Line Energy tyres once the tread depth reaches between 3-4mm, extending the life of the Michelin tyres by some 25%.

Author
Laura Cork

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