AMBULANCE TRUST STICKS WITH MICHELIN COLD WEATHER TYRES
Stoke-on-Trent – May 3, 2013
An ambulance service that fitted its rapid response vehicles with Michelin cold weather tyres for the second year running has praised the tyres for keeping its fleet mobile throughout winter.
East Midlands Ambulance Services NHS Trust (EMAS) switched a total of 306 ambulances and fast response cars on to Michelin Agilis Alpin and Alpin A4 tyres, which are specially designed to perform best in temperatures below seven degrees Celsius.
EMAS first tested Michelin’s cold weather tyres at a track day at MIRA in Warwickshire in 2011, and according to Fleet General Manager Steve Farnsworth, the tyres have since become an integral part of the Trust’s winter operation.
He explained: “EMAS operates a 24-hour emergency service for 4.8 million people across the East Midlands, so our vehicles need to be fully prepared for even the most hazardous conditions.
“When we receive an emergency 999 call we need to react as promptly and safely as possible, and fitting cold weather tyres is key to tackling any bad weather which might delay us from reaching our patients.
“When we tested Michelin’s cold weather tyres we found that they could reduce an ambulance’s braking distance by more than half on a slippery surface similar to ice and snow compared to standard tyres, which is a tremendous difference.
“They also provide responsive steering and good traction in all conditions, whether there’s slush, snow or ice on the roads.
“For an ambulance service every second counts, so the improved grip and handling that Michelin’s tyres deliver could potentially help us save someone’s life.
“This has been the second year we have fitted cold weather tyres and after seeing the benefits first-hand it is safe to say that our choice of tyre will continue to be a vital part of our vehicles’ seasonal preparation in the future.”
Michelin’s Head of Fleet, Dave Crinson, said: “Tyres are such an important part of a vehicle, especially in winter when the conditions can be challenging. Cold weather tyres can help fleets to avoid potentially dangerous situations and enable them to reach their destinations safely and on time.”
Fast-fit specialist ATS Euromaster is responsible for fitting EMAS’ cold weather tyres.
ends
Michelin (www.michelin.co.uk)
Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle including aircraft, bicycles/motorcycles, cars, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel & restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has more than 113,000 employees and operates 69 production plants in 18 different countries. The Group has a Technology Centre dedicated to research, development and process engineering, with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)
For further press information please contact:
Paul Cordle, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
Lucy Harvey or James Keeler at Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 Fax: +44 (0)20 8544 4711 E-mail: lucy.harvey@garnettkeeler.com
MICHF/086/13
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