Back with Michelin – Arriva North West signs 5-year contract

Arriva North West has returned to Michelin after a period with a rival supplier, and says certainty of supply, product quality and in-house expertise drove its decision to switch back. The bus operator, which runs services in North West England and North Wales – has signed a five-year contract with the Michelin Services & Solutions division.

The agreement will see the tyre maker supply and fit predominantly Michelin X InCity EV Z tyres – its first range designed specifically for electric vehicles, but which also deliver outstanding performance for traditional buses – to its 880-strong fleet. It will equip another section of the fleet on 19.5” wheels with Michelin X Multi Z2 tyres, which offer robustness and damage resistance in an urban environment.

With Arriva UK Bus’ six other regional operators already on Michelin contracts, the deal ensures that all the company’s 4,000-plus vehicles are now running on Michelin tyres.

Tyre strategy in safe hands

“With pressure on the supply chain in a challenging market, we wanted to ensure certainty of branded rubber for our Arriva North West buses, and we’ve made a successful move back to Michelin,” says Ian Jones, head of procurement at Arriva UK Bus. “Michelin has managed the transition from our previous supplier very smoothly and delivered on its promises.

“They have provided new tyre fitting equipment at our 15 depots across the North West and North Wales, as well as new tyre inflation cages which has enhanced health and safety. Having Michelin’s tyre technicians providing the services creates greater control and inspires confidence that our tyre strategy is in safe hands.”

Multi-life policy

Under the new contract, Arriva North West is utilising Michelin’s multi-life policy. Once the tyres are worn, the fitments are regrooved and retreaded as Michelin Remix tyres and fitted to the rear wheels of the company’s buses to maximise the performance from each new Michelin casing.

Commenting on Michelin’s service, Jones adds: “We’re very happy with the added value they offer. The technical support is excellent, and we are looking at some other continuous improvements we can make to help the efficiency of our fleet as we continue to transition from diesel to electric.”

Arriva North West is already specifying Michelin X InCity EV Z tyres on all its new electric vehicles. Offering safety, longevity and load capacity benefits, the tyres can also help bus operators to cut CO2 emissions.