Michelin’s X Multi T debuts in size 385/65 R 22.5

Following its global preview at the CV Show in April, the size 385/65 R 22.5 version of Michelin’s X Multi T trailer tyre has been launched across Europe. The new regional super single replaces the same-size XTE3, a tyre that has sold more than four million units in Europe since its launch in 2007. The X Multi T is available as both original equipment and on the replacement market in the UK and Ireland, through the ATS Euromaster and independent Michelin Truck Professional networks.

“We’ve taken a tyre popular with both trailer manufacturers and fleet operators alike, and built in new technology to deliver significant improvements on an already winning formula,” commented Guy Heywood, commercial director of Michelin’s truck division in the UK and Ireland.

According to Michelin, key to the X Multi T is the introduction of a new rubber compound created – the tyre maker calls it ‘Carbion’ that was developed by Michelin’s research and development teams. This innovation results from new components and a new compounding process that has lowered the tyre’s operating temperature by 6°C – assuming equivalent load (4,500kg), pressure (9 bar) and speed (100km/h) conditions – and thus lowers rolling resistance, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared with the previous-generation XTE3, whilst providing increased resistance to abrasion.

“The development of materials such as Carbion is a testament to the more than €600 million we spend every year on research and development,” added Heywood. “No other tyre manufacturer commits to this level of investment. It allows us to be at the forefront of innovation.”

The tyre’s tread is designed for effective water dispersal and even wear, important qualities given that trailer tyres are responsible for 45 per cent of the braking performance on a fully-loaded articulated vehicle. The groove design and longer ridges also contribute to ensuring the tyre can carry the M+S marking. The size 385/65 R 22.5 X Multi T achieves a ‘B’ label rating for both wet grip and rolling resistance, plus an external noise measurement of 69dB, placing it in the lowest noise category.
Using Michelin’s Remix retreading technology, the 65-series X Multi T has a retread acceptability rate of 88 per cent. When retreaded as a Michelin Remix tyre, an X Multi T will save 55 kilogrammes of raw materials versus manufacturing a completely new tyre. Both the new and Remix versions can be regrooved. Michelin says it will also progressively introduce RFID chips into the X Multi T to aid the tracking of tyres by fleet managers.

The July launch of the X Multi T in size 385/65 R22.5 coincides with the release of test performance data that highlights the tyre’s ability to contribute towards reducing total cost of ownership for operators. According to the results of the Michelin-run test, which compared the performance of a vehicle fitted with the new tyre, together with Michelin Multiway XDE and XZE tyres in size 315/80 R 22.5, against a similar vehicle fitted with Michelin 315/80 R 22.5 XZE2+, XDN2 Grip and 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3, the combination that included the X Multi T achieved an 0.7 litre saving in fuel per 100 kilometres. The tyre’s potential mileage is also said to be ten per cent higher than its predecessor.

Michelin says size 385/65 R22.5 is the second most popular commercial vehicle size in the UK market; across Europe, growing demand for solutions that maximise load volumes have seen sales of 55-series tyres increase by an average of 17 per cent a year. To meet this demand, the X Multi T was launched in size 385/55 R22.5 at the Reifen 2012 show in Germany.