RENAULT SELECTS FUEL-SAVING MICHELIN TYRES AS STANDARD ON T-SERIES OPTIFUEL MODEL
Stoke-on-Trent – October 20, 2015
Renault’s 6x2 T-series Optifuel heavy truck will roll off the production line on Michelin 315/70 R 22.5 X Line Energy tyres as standard, after intensive trials revealed the fuel-saving potential of Michelin’s latest generation low rolling resistance tyres.
During three days of testing around a 143.6 mile test route, the low rolling resistance Michelin 315/70 X Line Energy tyres – designed to operate at a high average speed on long-distance trunking – showed a three per cent advantage in fuel efficiency over a set of competing premium-brand 295/80 R 22.5 ‘regional’ tread pattern tyres. The trials took in a combination of A-roads and motorways, and were conducted with the support of Michelin’s UK technical team.
The tyres were fitted to a Euro VI Renault 6x2 T-series 460.26, pulling a fully-laden tri-axle SDC curtainside trailer. A control vehicle was used during the testing to mitigate the effects of traffic and weather conditions.
Mike Stringer, Product Engineer at Renault Trucks, says: “The fuel trials confirmed the savings that the right selection of tyre can offer a customer. We were already aware of the Michelin X Line Energy’s fuel-saving abilities, but sometimes the proof only comes from hitting the road – and the results quickly became clear.
“It was also clear evidence of the suitability of a 315/70 R 22.5 tyre set-up versus the 295/80 R 22.5 which were previously favoured in the UK market. Not only do the 315/70s seem the better option at Euro VI, they also open up access to the very latest generation of tyres on the market.”
He adds: “Michelin’s X Line Energy tyres tick the box for fuel consumption, while also offering durability, longevity and safety. All of these factors contribute to ensuring a low total cost of ownership for Renault’s customers – and in road transport, that’s the name of the game.”
Michelin’s 315/70-series fitments feature a wider nominal section width and lower profile than traditional 295/80 tyres. They provide a greater contact area with the road surface and promote even wear, with a high degree of tyre stability and a lower centre of gravity for improved vehicle handling. What’s more, with an 8,000kg front axle rating, they are also ideally suited for the additional unladen front axle weights imposed by most Euro VI vehicles, and the demand for larger sleeper cabs to attract the best drivers.
As well as its X Line Energy tyres, Renault’s T-series Optifuel model incorporates a number of other fuel-saving enhancements. The type features a 12 degree angled windscreen for improved aerodynamic efficiency, while the company’s Fuel Eco pack includes options such as a variable flow steering pump, which reduces auxiliary energy consumption by switching to idle mode when the steering is not activated.
Renault also offers driver training sessions, which provide a grounding in heavy commercial vehicle technology and economical driving techniques, allowing driver and operator alike to get the best out of both their T-series Optifuel trucks and X Line Energy tyres, in terms of mileage performance and fuel efficiency.
For further information on the Michelin commercial vehicle tyre range visit http://trucks.michelin.co.uk/
ends
Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing, distributing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle. It also offers innovative business support services, digital mobility services and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 112,300 employees and operates 68 production plants in 17 countries. The Group also has a Technology Centre, responsible for research and development, with 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
Andy Hemphill or James Keeler, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 E-mail: andy.hemphill@garnettkeeler.com and james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
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