Michelin presenting XDW Ice Grip at CV Show

A second harsh winter in a row seems a deciding factor in the latest truck tyre range launched by Michelin in the UK. At this week’s CV show at the Birmingham NEC, the manufacturer’s XDW Ice Grip – available in size 295/80 R 22.5 – will be shown off to UK trade show visitors for the first time.

“The effects of climate change mean UK operators are calling for greater mobility during the winter months, so we expect the XDW Ice Grip to be a real talking point at the Show,” commented Martin Covington, head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing at Michelin UK. “It will allow visitors to see up-close the differences between normal truck tyres and dedicated winter fitments.” The XDW Ice Grip is popular on trucks in the Nordic markets and parts of mainland Europe.  It leads Michelin’s snow and ice range and is designed to offer excellent traction and braking on low grip surfaces.

Also on display at the Michelin stand is the XDN2 Grip, a tyre aimed at fleets preferring a high-grip drive axle fitment which can be used year-round. The XDN2 Grip is currently the most popular new Michelin drive-axle fitment on the UK replacement market, the tyre maker notes. Two other products making their CV Show debut are the 315/80 R 22.5 X Energy SaverGreen XZ and X Energy SaverGreen XD, both of which are new sizes in their respective ranges. Also exhibited is the X MultiWay XD drive-axle tyre, which features a compound and a tread pattern said to reduce stone retention. According to Michelin, ‘Double-Wave’ and ‘Raindrop sipes’ give up to 19 per cent more grip when the tyres are two-thirds worn, and a deeper, wider tread band increases mileage potential by up to 30 per cent compared with the existing XDE 2+ range.

 
These tyres are joined by the X One MaxiTrailer and an example of the XDE 2 Remix. Michelin is also exhibiting examples of the proven Agilis and Agilis Alpin van fitments, respectively intended for summer and winter use.  The tyre maker says the Agilis Alpin proved particularly popular during the winter of 2010/2011.