New truck and coach tyre introduced by Michelin04 September 2012

Michelin UK has launched what it is calling its "most significant new truck and coach tyre to enter the market for a decade".

Its new 295/80 R22.5 Michelin X MultiWay 3D is an extension of the existing X MultiWay 3D range, and Michelin says it's aimed at local fleets, where this size of tyre accounts for 25% of all commercial vehicle tyres sold.

The new tyres' appearance follows the launch, in 2011, of the 315/70 and 315/80 X MultiWay 3D sizes, which are now among the top-selling Michelin commercial vehicle tyres on the Continent.

The X MultiWay 3D range gets its name from the three-dimensional tread sipes, said to generate grip in extreme conditions, locking together when needed to maintain the stability of the tread band.

"Our extensive testing has shown an increase in total mileage performance of up to 15% for the new steer tyre, and up to 10% for the equivalent drive axle fitment," states Brian Porteous, UK technical manager at Michelin.

"There is also a significant reduction in rolling resistance in comparison to our previous product in this segment," he continues.

"Both of these improvements mean lower operating costs for Michelin users."

Porteous says that emergency braking trials on wet polished concrete, which simulates icy conditions, found the X MultiWay 3D tyres resulted in a stopping distance 8m shorter, when the tyres were two-thirds worn, compared to similarly worn XZE2+ and XDE2+ tyres – equivalent to almost two car lengths.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Michelin Tyre plc

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