13-STOP TOUR CONTINUES ROLL-OUT OF MICHELIN’S MOST SIGNIFICANT TRUCK AND COACH TYRE IN A DECADE

Stoke-on-Trent – September 28, 2012

Michelin has continued the roll-out of its most significant new truck and coach tyre in a decade with a three day, 13-stop tour of ATS Euromaster centres around the UK.

@MichelinTruckUK fans have been able to follow the tour’s progress around the country on Twitter, with more than 100 tyre fitters, centre managers and fleet operators inspecting the new tyre up-close during the tour.

The 295/80 R 22.5 Michelin X MultiWay 3D is being introduced principally for UK fleets, where this popular size is favoured by operators. Testing has shown a 15 per cent increase in total mileage performance and significantly reduced rolling resistance*, meaning lower operating costs for Michelin users.

The three-day tour kicked off on Tuesday (September 25) in Warrington, visiting a further 12 major truck tyre dealers before finishing in Stoke on Thursday afternoon (September 27). The roadshow visited Warrington, Trafford Park, Bamber Bridge, Castleford, Doncaster, Mansfield, Leighton Buzzard, St. Albans, Thatcham, Avonmouth, Cardiff, West Bromwich, and Stoke.

Sharn Samra, Head of Truck Marketing at Michelin UK, explains: “The new 295/80 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D range is packed full of the very latest tyre technology. It’s a huge step forward over the ranges it replaces, which are still benchmark products in the industry. Naturally we wanted the teams who will be fitting them to understand all of the features and benefits.

“In the UK a quarter of all truck tyres we sell are this size, making this launch a significant new product for the domestic market. Taking the tyre on tour was an effective way to get a lot of people to see it in a short space of time, and the reaction we’ve had has been very positive,” she adds.

The X MultiWay 3D gets its name from three-dimensional tread sipes which generate grip in difficult climatic conditions, locking together when needed to maintain the stability of the tread band. The design merges excellent traction, longevity and fuel-efficiency with outstanding safety, comfort and cost-effectiveness. The tyres also stand out for their excellent grip under braking, throughout their life, thanks to the incorporation of Michelin Durable Technologies.

The new 295/80 X MultiWay 3D XZE steer tyre is available immediately, and will be joined by the X MultiWay 3D XDE drive axle pattern shortly.  Manufactured in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, they will gradually replace the XZE2+, XDE2+ and XDN2 Grip ranges, providing lasting safety and mobility on dry, damp and wet surfaces.  3PMSF** and M+S (Mud + Snow) markings on the sidewall are a further indication of excellent grip and traction for use during winter conditions.

The launch of the 295/80 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D range is testament to the €500 million of investment Michelin channels into research and development every year – more than any other tyre manufacturer in the world.

ends

*compared to the XZE2+ and XDE2+ tyres respectively

** 3PMSF stands for ‘3 peaks mountain snow flake’.  Tyres with this marking have reached a minimum level of performance in winter conditions, proven by a standardised test conducted on snow which is soon to be adopted into an ECE Regulation.  M+S can be declared by the tyre manufacturer, without the need for reaching a minimum standard.  M+S is not winter specific as it covers performance in mud as well.

Michelin (www.michelin.co.uk)

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tyres for every type of vehicle, including aircraft, bicycles, cars, earthmoving machines, farm equipment, trucks and motorcycles. Michelin employs 115,000 people, has sales organisations in more than 170 countries and operates 69 production sites in 18 countries throughout five continents. The Company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases and offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com. Research and development is undertaken in technology centres in Asia, Europe and North America.

For further press information please contact:

Paul Cordle, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341      Email: paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com

James Keeler, 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: james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com

MICHT/094/12

Tags: