Fleet Trial Shows Michelin Tyres Save on Fuel Costs

Bolton-based haulage contractor Thomas Harwood & Son Ltd reports seeing an improvement in fuel economy after conducting its own in-house trial with Michelin’s low rolling resistance Energy tyres. The company claims that the savings they realised translate to cost savings of over £1,000 per vehicle per year.

The trial saw staff at Thomas Harwood carefully recording fuel data on a 44 tonne Volvo FH12 6×2 tractor unit over a period of more than two years – with the vehicle first fitted with Michelin ‘E’ segment regional tyres (XZE2+ / XDE2+), and then switched to operate on Michelin Energy tyres (XZA2 / XDA2+). The length of the trial ensured small inconsistencies were ironed out, with the non-Energy tyres returning an average of 8.68mpg, against 8.99mpg with the vehicle fitted with low rolling resistance tyres. This difference in fuel economy equates to a saving of 3.45 per cent – which in real terms is worth £1,025, based on an average annual fuel bill for a tractor unit of £30,000 a year.

Commenting on the trial, company director Mark Harwood explains: “The biggest expense for owner operators is diesel, and we’ve taken the view that even a small improvement in fuel economy will see us make noticeable capital savings. With Energy tyres fitted across our trailer fleet as well, Michelin has advised us that the potential for savings could be nearly doubled.

“Throughout the trial we recorded every mile driven and every litre of fuel used, enabling us to demonstrate the savings with a relatively simple calculation. We are now in the process of rolling out Energy tyres across other vehicles in the fleet,” he adds.

Thomas Harwood operates a fleet of 17 commercial vehicles and 19 trailers. The company is currently celebrating its 75th Anniversary, making it one of the longest operating family run transport business in Bolton.