Michelin marked its return to the CV Show (29 April to 1 May 2014) with a global preview of its new 385/65 R 22.5 X Multi T trailer tyre, ahead of its European launch later this summer, as well as launching its 24/7 breakdown service for truck, bus and coach operators.
According to Sharn Samra, Michelin's head of truck marketing in the UK and Ireland, 385/65 R 22.5 is the second most popular commercial vehicle tyre size sold domestically, accounting for 16% of all tyres sold in the sector.
"We see huge potential for the new X Multi T," said Samra. "It's a potential industry game-changer for its leap in trailer tyre performance."
Why? This next generation tyre includes Carbion in its rubber compund, which Samra says is a revolutionary material developed by Michelin, which massively improves resistance to abrasion.
That should make a significant difference to tyre life: under nominal conditions the operating temperature for this new tyre is 6°C lower than the same size Michelin XTE3 fitment it replaces.
"The use of a material like Carbion is testament to the more than €600 million Michelin spends on research and development every year," comments Samra, claiming that this is greater than any other tyre manufacturer in the world.
The X Multi T will be manufactured in European ISO 14001 certified factories and is re-groovable and retreadable.
It will be rated 'B' for rolling resistance, 'B' for wet grip and will come with a noise rating of 69dB under EU tyre labelling regulations. It also carries M+S markings, indicating suitability for use in mud and snow conditions.
Also making its debut UK show appearance was Michelin's 315/80 R 22.5 X Line Energy range for trucks and coaches, which features the firm's new-generation Energy Flex casing, claimed to reduce fuel consumption by limiting heat build-up due to flexing.
Compared with the same-size in the previous-generation Michelin X Energy SaverGreen range, the new fuel-saving tyres last up to 5% longer on drive axlea and 14% on multi-position.
They also feature a new five-rib tread design for grip, wider tread shoulders to improve tyre liufe and braking performance, plus full depth sipes for traction.
And they include Michelin's 70-series innovations, as used in its X Line Energy tyre, including TowerPump sipes, proven to improve grip and tear-resistance in extreme conditions, coupled with Delta sipes to cut braking distances and improve grip when cornering on slippery surfaces.
Samra says Michelin's new 80-series fitments are ideal on fleets used for trunking, covering in excess of 110,000km a year at average speeds greater than 70kph and with limited stops per day.
This tyre is available as a 'Z' multi-position tyre and a 'D' drive-axle fitment – both of which were launched in Europe in March 2014.
"At Euro 6, vehicles need a tyre that can carry the increased front axle load, and this expansion of the X Line Energy range enables fleets to access potentially significant fuel savings from the latest long-distance Michelin tyres," states Samra.
As for the new ONCall service breakdown service, Samra explained that it uses Michelin certified centres and provides nationwide coverage.
He said it draws on the strength of its independent Michelin Truck Professional (MTP) dealers and ATS Euromaster centres to offer a network of more than 300 commercial vehicle-ready service points.
Fleets, he said, will benefit from competitive fixed pricing, a two-hour response window and a 12 month guarantee on all new Michelin tyres fitted, with access to individual Michelin Remix casing banks and 30-day payment terms.