New generation of Michelin truck tyres to increase mileage ‘by 15-20%’

Michelin launched its new generation of truck tyres at the 2017 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK and Ireland, stating that the new fitments deliver 15-20 per cent more mileage than the current Michelin X MultiWay 3D series, at no extra cost. The new X Multi tyre line-up has been designed to supply users with the lowest cost per kilometre and high levels of grip in all weather conditions throughout the life of the tread. Michelin has made the new tyres available immediately in four key fitments: 315/70R22.5 multi-position and drive tyres and 385/55R22.5 steer and trailer tyres. The range will be expanded with the launch of 295/60R22.5 and 315/60R22.5 X Multi D in September 2017 and then the 315/70R22.5 X Multi D Remix early in 2018.

Michelin states that the new range incorporates its latest technologies, which include Regenion, InfiniCoil, Powercoil and Carbion. The manufacturer also added an RFID chip integrated into each new Michelin X Multi, making the “connected tyres” open to several digital services to improve tyre management. This feature will improve individual tyre identification, fleet and stock management, and traceability of operations. The new range is also constructed to be regrooved and retreadable using the Michelin Remix process.

Chris Smith, marketing director North Europe – Truck & Bus, says: “The new X Multi range offers outstanding grip and greatly improved longevity, taking tyre performance to a completely new level. It also underlines Michelin’s commitment to ensuring the lowest total cost of ownership for our customers, since the new tyres don’t cost a penny more than the ones they replace.

“Regional tread pattern tyres currently account for more than two-thirds of our total sales in the UK commercial vehicle tyre market, and we’re predicting considerable interest in this CV Show launch. The double-digit improvement in tyre life is a direct result of Michelin’s significant annual investment of more than €700m in research and development.”

Michelin X Multi Z (multi-position)

The new X Multi Z is designed to cut operating costs on regional and national haulage operations and offers a potential mileage increase of up to 15 per cent compared with its predecessor, the X MultiWay 3D XZE.

Designed for all road types encountered in regional and national haulage operations, it features a new generation of tread rubber that allows a reduction in original tread depth without negatively affecting mileage performance. This new Regenion technology, made possible by innovative 3D metal printing, enables the moulding of self-regenerating tread blocks which include hidden grooves that appear as the tread wears. These hidden grooves ensure that grip, traction and safety are at an optimum level across a wide range of weather conditions throughout the life of the tyre – from the first mile to the last.

Regenion also improves the life of the tyre as the tread pattern is more closed and rigid, which has the effect of optimising the tread’s contact patch with the road surface and slowing the wear rate even further, increasing the mileage potential. The X Multi Z also offers impressive grip throughout its life and in all conditions, highlighted by the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) sidewall marking, indicating performance and safety in winter weather.

The tyre also incorporates InfiniCoil technology, which comprises a continuous steel wire – up to 400 metres in length – wrapped continuously around the tyre to provide greater stability throughout its lifetime. InfiniCoil also increases the robustness and durability of this latest generation tyre range.

Michelin X Multi D (drive)

Michelin states that its new drive X Multi offers up to 20 per cent increased mileage potential compared with the corresponding X MultiWay 3D XDE. The tyre also benefits from Regenion tread technology to reveal hidden grooves that appear as the tread wears. Small tubular ‘Tower Pump’ sipes are also included in the tread blocks to help evacuate water using a pumping action, improving grip in wet conditions.

Other features include Powercoil technology in the casing construction: this new generation of lighter, yet more robust steel cables means that the tyre is lighter but with no loss of strength or endurance.

The tyre also emits low noise levels during use, with an EU tyre labelling rating of just (1 bar 73dB). This is achieved thanks to compact and rigid tread blocks, combined with a moulded anti-noise barrier, which reduce the main source of tread noise.

Michelin X Multi T2 (trailer)

The new X Multi T2 tyre also offers mileage up to 20 per cent further versus the same size of X Multi T, which it replaces. The tread area, which is 6mm wider, optimises the contact patch with the road surface and slowing the wear rate.

The tread pattern incorporates both new Regenion and Carbion technologies, with the latter the result of an innovative mixing process in which certain tread components are mixed when in a liquid state, resulting in a more uniform material. This material increases the mileage performance of the tyre and improves its rolling resistance to allow greater fuel savings.

Michelin X Multi F (steer)

Completing the new line-up at launch, the X Multi F steer tyre features a similar tread rubber to the new X Multi Z, allowing a reduction in original tread depth without negatively affecting mileage performance. This reduced tread depth means there is less movement in the tread, which in turn reduces heat build-up and therefore wear. Like the X Multi T2, it benefits from a tread area which is 6mm wider than its predecessor, the XFA Energy AS.

A new rubber compound and the inclusion of Delta sipes in the tread pattern ensure the X Multi F delivers maximum safety in a variety of difficult weather conditions. The Delta sipes improve braking and cornering grip in winter conditions and on slippery road surfaces. In addition, the sipes are aligned with the direction of rotation to establish an even wear pattern in the early life of the tyre, which helps to further improve tyre life. The X Multi F is graded B for rolling resistance under EU tyre labelling.