Coach Company: Michelin Beats Bridgestone for Durability

Kirkcowan-based Kings Coach Hire, located in Dumfries and Galloway, has completed a trial using a set of Michelin and Bridgestone tyres on two similar vehicles operating on virtually identical local bus routes.

The Michelin 17.5 inch XZE2 tyres were fitted to a 31-seat midibuses in March 2005, with the tyre performance on both buses closely monitored. The Bridgestone tyres were replaced after 48,000 km whilst, in comparison, the Michelin tyres are said to have already covered 89,000 km, with a further 4mm of tread remaining.

“It was a simple test carried out over a prolonged period of time, but the results speak for themselves,” says James King, proprietor of Kings Coach Hire. “The exceptional performance of the Michelin tyres far outweighs the cost difference, and this is reflected in our tyre purchasing policy which will in future see Michelin tyres gradually introduced onto all 10 midibuses in our fleet.”

Kings Coach Hire owns a fleet of 28 vehicles, with 25 in regular operation, and with capacities ranging from 14 to 57 seats. The company has been operating coaches for more than 50 years, and its work varies from local authority contracts to coach tours across Britain and Europe.