Michelin Releases Longer Lasting Tyre

Michelin has launched a tyre that the company claims to be the most notable technological breakthrough since the radial technology was first applied to truck tyres in 1952. The tyre – Michelin’s X One MaxiTrailer – reportedly provides up to 50 per cent more mileage than a comparable standard 385/65 R 22.5 tyre.

As its name suggests the X One MaxiTrailer is designed specifically for trailers and is the first tyre of its type to incorporate Michelin Durable Technologies – the trademark name given to a number of breakthroughs patented by Michelin. One such breakthrough is Infinicoil architecture, which is comprised of a 400-metre elastic steel cord wrapped continuously around the tyre’s crown, delivering enhanced robustness, greater longevity and more even wear.

In comparison to a 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2, the new tyre’s tread band is 120 millimetres wider and contains 35 per cent more rubber in the compound, which serves to increase the mileage potential of each tyre by up to 50 per cent. The X One MaxiTrailer’s rolling resistance is akin to that of both the Michelin 385/65 R 22.5 XTE 2 and the 445/45 R 19.5 XTA 2 Energy.

A further benefit the new tyre delivers is that it is suitable for re-grooving to further increase its potential mileage, and the X One MaxiTrailer will soon be retreadable using Michelin Remix technology, as are all Michelin truck tyres.

Helen Tattersall, head of marketing for Michelin’s Truck and Earthmover divisions, has stated, “Michelin Durable Technologies is the foundation on which Michelin is building a new generations of tyres. This new development in tyre technology is a result of many years’ intensive research and development.”

She added “The introduction of Michelin Durable Technologies is the latest in a long line of technological breakthroughs in the tyre industry, and one which we consider to be the most notable since Michelin’s introduction of radial tyres for trucks in 1952. It is expected that, within five years, Michelin Durable Technologies will be incorporated in the majority of our truck tyres sold in Western Europe.”

The tyre is being made available to OE manufacturers Europe-wide, and should be fitted to UK market trailers from January 2007 onwards.