Prior to adopting the new policy, the West Midlands-based operator was so impressed by Michelin’s service that it switched manufacturers before performance data had even been recorded.
As the trials began, Michelin’s technical team carried out site visits to determine the correct tyre pressures for every type of vehicle. Prospect runs a mix of DAF, Dennis, MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo chassis, with Irizar, King Long, Marcopolo and Plaxton bodies – all of which require different pressures to ensure optimum performance and tyre life.
Nathan Hadley, Prospect’s general manager, says: “The customer service and technical support we get from Michelin is second to none – it’s above and beyond that of any other manufacturer we’ve previously worked with.
“Michelin’s technical team spent several hours at our depot on multiple occasions, weighing each and every coach variant and suggesting bespoke tyre pressures.
“It’s reassuring to know that as well as fitting premium tyres with an excellent reputation for safety and longevity, we also have access to a team of experts dedicated to helping us get the most from our rubber.”
Prospect Coaches is full of praise for Michelin’s accidental tyre damage guarantee. Under the scheme, customers can be refunded for accidental damage that occurs before a tyre is 50% worn, provided it has been registered on the Michelin MyAccount web portal. The refund is calculated against the remaining tread depth of the tyre.
“The guarantee is hassle-free and demonstrates the faith Michelin places in its products,” adds Hadley.
Frontline vehicles in Prospect’s fleet cover up to 60,000 miles each year across the UK and Europe, while coaches on local contracts average 35,000 miles annually.
The firm plans to regroove tyres under the policy, extending tyre life by as much as 25%, and taking advantage of the additional layers of rubber built into all new Michelin commercial vehicle tyres. Regrooving is carried out by in-house technicians, trained by Michelin, while the local ATS Euromaster centre supplies and fits new tyres.