Michelin Introduces New Bus Tyre Size, Exhibits Range at Bus Expo

Michelin will take to its stand (5/B 70) at the NEC, Birmingham-hosted Euro Bus Expo 2010 to introduce an additional X Energy Savergreen XZ tyre size to its growing range. The availability of a 315/80 R 22.5 X Energy Savergreen XZ tyre will enable a greater number of coach operators to fit Michelin’s rubber to vehicles in their fleet. Designed primarily for long distance journeys, the X Energy Savergreen range yields a seven per cent increase in grip when compared with the previous generation XDA2+ Energy tyres, and provide reduced rolling resistance and greater longevity, according to the manufacturer.

All X Energy Savergreen tyres incorporate Michelin Durable Technologies (MDT). One of the key innovations of MDT is Infinicoil – a continuous steel cord up to 400m long wound around the casing. This ensures the tread block maintains a higher rigidity, and therefore a uniform contact patch with the road which doesn’t deform over time. The tyre also benefits from double wave sipes which further enhance grip in difficult climatic conditions. The X Energy Savergreen is built using Michelin’s Energy Flex casing which limits heat build-up caused by multiple tyre flexions when rolling. This casing reduces energy loss, and consequently provides a measurable reduction in fuel consumption, Michelin says

For vehicles operating in urban applications, Michelin is exhibiting examples of its X InCity tyres, which are designed to improve safety and productivity, in a market where tyres are constantly stressed by stop/start traffic movement, coming into contact with kerbs, and driving in narrow streets with tight corners and other urban obstacles.

One of three specialist urban tyres being showcased is the 275/70 R 22.5 X InCity XZU 3.  Built for urban and inter-urban applications, the tyre uses full-depth double wave sipes to help the tread pattern combine improved grip with longer tyre life – up to 15 per cent more than a standard XZU+, combined with an up-to-18 per cent increase in traction, according to Michelin. Suitable for use in all seasons and on all wheel positions, this versatile tyre features a tread design incorporating a rugged shoulder for unrivalled protection against shock damage, particularly from kerbs.  Its non-directional tread pattern also facilitates tyre rotation and changing of tyres on rims, making tyre management simpler.

Also available in this urban range of tyres is the 275/70 R 22.5 XZU+ which has been designed to meet the requirements of urban bus operators and offers impressive reliability coupled with competitive running costs. Completing the urban line-up on show will be a Remix version of the same 275/70 R 22.5 XZU+ tyre – exemplifying Michelin’s “Four Lives” process. Remix is the name given to Michelin’s tyre remoulding programme, which sees tyres deliver a “similar performance to that of a new tyre”. Like all new Michelin coach and bus tyres, Remix tyres can be regrooved to offer a “fourth life”, with obvious economical and environmental benefits for the operator.

Also on show at the Euro Bus Expo is Michelin’s X Coach range, including X Coach XF, X Coach XD and X Coach XZ tyres. The 295/80 R 22.5 X Coach XF tyre is intended for use in long distance and high average speed operations, and has a five per cent improvement in grip compared with a Michelin XZA 2 Energy tyre. 

The 295/80 R 22.5 drive axle X Coach XD tyre is designed with two purposes in mind: enhancing performance and operator comfort. Its tread pattern features full-depth double wave sipes which increase the rigidity of the tread block and minimise tread wear throughout the life of the tyre, offering up to 20 per cent more mileage than the XDA 4 range. 

With a tread pattern proven to efficiently evacuate water and snow throughout the coach’s journey, this all-year-round tyre provides up to 15 per cent more grip in difficult climatic conditions, says Michelin. The tyre’s flat profile and innovative tread pattern minimise road noise and improve operator comfort.

The Michelin X Coach XZ steer axle tyre also offers enhanced comfort and a quieter ride, thanks to special ‘ZZ’ grooves in the centre of its tread. As with the X Coach XD tyre, noise levels are reduced thanks to the tyre’s flat profile – and closed shoulder ribs that resist uneven wear. The X Coach XZ is being exhibited on a lightweight alloy wheel.

Completing the line-up of Michelin tyres on display is a 245/70 R 19.5 XZE2+ tyre, exhibited alongside its Remix equivalent.  Part of the acclaimed E2+ range, the XZE2+ is ideal for regional, national and international coach operations and combines a long life and resistance to shoulder wear with up to 10 per cent more mileage performance than the XZE2 range, and increased resistance to uneven wear.