MICHELIN X LINE ENERGY AND X MULTIWAY 3D TYRES RATE HIGHEST IN COMPARATIVE TESTS BY INDEPENDENT ORGANISATIONS
(Stoke-on-Trent – January 07, 2014) – In two separate tests, the independent certification organisations TÜV Sud Automotive and DEKRA have confirmed the performance of two of the latest Michelin truck tyre ranges when compared with premium competitor brand tyres.
The two certification organisations, well respected for their test methodology and high-quality analysis, compared the Michelin X Line Energy long-distance tyres against four competing brands, whilst DEKRA compared the Michelin X MultiWay 3D regional tyre against three competing brands.
Michelin X Line Energy
At Michelin’s request and in real conditions of use*, TÜV Sud Automotive organised a comparative energy efficiency test involving five latest-generation, premium truck tyres.
This saw the Michelin X Line Energy range demonstrate superior fuel-saving performance compared with its competitors, recording an average difference in fuel consumption of 1.2 litres** per 100 km against the four competitors – and a difference of 1.84 litres per 100 km compared with the least fuel-efficient competitor. For a tractor unit and trailer combination driven 130,000 km per year in long-haul use, this represents savings of more than €1,750 per vehicle per year.
Michelin launched its X Line Energy fuel-saving range onto the replacement market in February 2013 – four months after its introduction as original equipment on tractor units manufactured by Renault Trucks and Volvo Trucks.
Since 1992, the Michelin Group has been a pioneer in the development of low rolling resistance, fuel-saving tyres and the X Line Energy line-up is the fifth generation of highly energy-efficient tyres to be marketed by Michelin. The company is focused on constantly innovating to ensure it provides road transport fleets with tyres which help to optimise total value of ownership by delivering superior performance over a long life, thanks to their impressive longevity, optimised grip, retreadable casing and regroovable tread.
Michelin X MultiWay 3D
In a test conducted by DEKRA***, the X MultiWay 3D was proven to stop quicker under braking than three other regional-type truck tyre ranges.
At Michelin’s request, DEKRA, the German certification organisation, compared four different latest-generation premium tyres in a test that involved braking on a low-traction surface. All of the tyres in the test were two-thirds worn.
The test showed that the X MultiWay 3D stopped an average of 44.9m shorter than the other brands, and 68.8m shorter than the tyre which took longest to stop.
The X MultiWay 3D range gets its name from the 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 first X MultiWay 3D tyres entered the market in 2011 and have quickly become established amongst the top-selling Michelin commercial vehicle tyres in Europe.
Analysis
Commenting on the results of the two trials, Guy Heywood, Commercial Director of Michelin’s truck tyre division in the UK and Republic of Ireland, says: “Michelin consistently invests more in research and development any other tyre manufacturer in the world; so it is naturally reassuring to see this investment paying off in the performance of our latest generation products.”
Every year, more than 6,600 researchers in 350 different job categories, working on three continents and backed by a budget of €622 million, design and develop new generations of Michelin tyres that are safer, more efficient and more environmentally responsible. Longevity and endurance tests cover some 1.8 billion kilometres a year – equivalent to Michelin completing one full lap of the Earth every 12 minutes.
Michelin’s extensive product development makes it possible for its truck tyres to simultaneously offer impressive levels of safety, longevity, fuel efficiency and traction – something Michelin calls ‘total performance’.
*Tests conducted in June 2013 on a Mercedes Benz Actros 1842, with a gross train weight of 40 tonnes and equipped with new tyres. The test vehicle was driven 238km northeast of Munich at an altitude ranging from 320 to 480m. Each set of tyres was tested twice on this long haul-type route. The tractor unit was fitted with 315/70 R 22.5 tyres and 385/55 R 22.5 tyres on the trailer, with a tyre pressure of 8.4 bar for the steer axle, 7.7 bar for the drive axle and 9.0 bar for the trailer axles.
**Data calculated for an average difference in consumption of 1.2 liters per 100 km, based on annual mileage of 130,000 km and a fuel price of €1.15 per litre. The formula is as follows: 1.2 times (130,000/100) times 1.15 = 1,794 euros.
***Tests conducted in July 2013 on a Mercedes Benz 1820, loaded to a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes and equipped with new tyres that were two-thirds worn. The pressure for the 315/80 R 22.5 tyres used was 8.5 bar for the steer axle and 7.5 bar for the drive axle. Comparison of braking distance on a low-traction wet surface (friction coefficient of 0.27) using an anti-lock braking system.
ends
Michelin (www.michelintransport.com / @MichelinTruckUK)
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 and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in more than 170 countries, has 113,400 employees and operates 69 production plants in 18 different countries. The Group has a Technology Center in charge of research and development with supporting operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)
For further press information please contact:
David Johnson, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0)1782 402341 Email: d.johnson@uk.michelin.com
James Keeler, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 E-mail: james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
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