Lodge Coaches First to Fit Michelin X Coach XD

Chelmsford-based Lodge Coaches has become the first operator in the UK to fit Michelin’s new X Coach tyres to a vehicle in its fleet. The X Coach 295/80 R22.5 X Coach XD tyres incorporate elements of Michelin Durable Technologies – the name given to three new patented technologies which have allowed Michelin to develop a self-regenerating tread pattern and to make advances in tyre architecture.

Officially launched at Euro Bus Expo 2006, the X Coach XD tyres represent the first use of Michelin Durable Technologies for the drive axle of a coach and have been fitted to the Lodge Coaches’ new 12.2 metre Setra S415GTHD 49-seat executive coach – which is also the first Euro 4 Setra to arrive in the country.

The tyres are suitable for fitment throughout the year and incorporate three-dimensional patented Double Wave sipes which make the tread block more rigid, thereby helping to reduce tread wear. They also deliver up to 20 per cent more mileage potential than the Michelin XDA 4, the previous standard fitment for long distance coaches, and offer up to15 per cent extra grip in challenging weather conditions, according to Michelin.

Even when the tyre is two-thirds worn, extensive testing has shown that the Michelin X Coach XD delivers as much as 15 per cent more grip on snow or ice, and up to 10 per cent more on wet or slippery roads in comparison with its predecessor.

Robert Lodge, managing director of Lodge Coaches, explains: “Michelin is the dominant tyre brand across our fleet, with all new coaches specified with Michelin rubber as original equipment. The new vehicle will be used as the flagship of our UK and European holiday programme in 2007 and we look forward to seeing how the new X Coach tyres perform, both in terms of durability and enhanced grip.”

Lodge Coaches ensures maximum performance from its tyres by following Michelin’s Four Lives tyre policy, with local independent service provider Universal Tyres in Chelmsford responsible for regrooving tyres and co-ordinating Remixing tyres with the Michelin Remix factory in Stoke-on-Trent.

The new Euro 4 Setra will be registered on 1 March 2007, in time for the company’s own holiday tour programme. During the 2007 season it will visit destinations including France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland, together with destinations across the UK. It joins a fleet of 16 coaches, including eight high specification executive coaches.