For hauliers, fuel consumption is of paramount performance and fuel is one of the major costs for fleets. Just how much of an effect tyres can have in keeping costs down was illustrated recently when tyres from Michelin’s X Line Energy range – designed for fleets seeking the lowest possible carbon footprint – were fitted to two Volvo trucks which have set new fuel efficiency records on demanding press road tests in the UK.
Despite the fact that the UK was in the middle of lockdown, Michelin Tyre Plc’s ultra-modern retread manufacturing operation resumed production at the end of April. In fact, according to the company, there were only two reasons that the Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent site paused manufacturing at all: because the coronavirus-related closures coincided with a pre-planned maintenance stoppage; and because – again due to Covid-19 – there was trouble securing deliveries of the right raw materials from the continent prior to April (see “Michelin Stoke up-and-running, looking forward to ‘steady market growth’” for Michelin UK factory manager Francois Levert’s view on how things have progressed after reopening). Therefore, Michelin UK’s retread manufacturing operation only actually endured a three-week factory shutdown. The neighbouring UK headquarters opened in mid-July and so now its truck tyre and retreading business is putting the focus on success in the new normal. This began with a communications drive that has seen the manufacturer promote the ecological benefits of retreads. Tyres & Accessories spoke with Michelin Plc managing director Chris Smith in order to find out more.
Michelin is supplying more than 2,000 UK and Ireland tyre dealerships with COVID-19 safety kits as the demand for tyres in all sectors begins to increase. The packages contain materials to help implement standardised hygiene practices for employees and customers. The free packs have begun shipping to all independent Michelin Quality Centre, Michelin Exelagri and Michelin Service Pro dealers. These networks support Michelin customers across the car, agricultural and commercial vehicle sectors respectively.
Michelin has launched the Agilis 3, its latest summer tyre for light commercial vehicles. The manufacturer states that the new tyre is designed particularly for vans used on intense delivery schedules. It adds that the tyre features technology “not used within light commercial vehicle tyres previously.” These help the Agilis 3 to offer safety on wet roads and high fuel efficiency, exemplified by its tyre label scores, while remaining robust and durable. Michelin states that the tyre targets the optimisation of costs and environmental footprint without compromising on safety.
Michelin has renewed its corporate membership of Transaid, the official charity of the transport and logistics industry. The tyre manufacturer, which was a founder member of the charity in 1998, also pledged to fundraise a further £25,000 in cycle challenge sponsorship during 2020.
Michelin has expanded its popular X Multi range of regional truck tyres, with the introduction of two new multi-position sizes, intended primarily for fitment on the front steer axle.
Chris Smith has been named as the new managing director of Michelin UK. Smith replaces James Alderman, who has retired.
Smith, 36, will oversee the strategy and direction of Michelin UK at the same time as continuing his responsibilities as sales director B2B for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Michelin has expanded its X Multi T2 commercial tyre range with the launch of four new 17.5-inch sizes for low platform trailers, such as step frames, car transporters and double-decks. The new sizes are 215/75 R17.5, 235/75 R17.5, 245/70 R17.5 and 205/65 R17.5.
Michelin has launched the X Multi HD (heavy-duty) D (drive) tyre in 315/80 R22.5 and 315/70 R22.5 sizes, expanding its range of versatile application commercial vehicle tyres. The manufacturer states the new tyre targets solid bulk, agricultural, and specialist transport operators, including milk collection and animal feed delivery fleets. It is designed to be a robust tyre for versatile applications requiring a high mileage potential and traction.
Michelin Tyre plc has announced key appointments to lead its B2B division covering the agricultural, bus/coach, earthmover, truck and van sectors. This sees Chris Smith, 34, appointed sales director B2B; and Helen Ratcliff, 38, named as marketing director – both with responsibility for the UK and Ireland.
Michelin will start the process of replacing its most popular heavy truck tyre range on the Birmingham HEC’s stand 5A45 with the international debut of the all-new X Multi tyre line-up at the CV Show. The manufacturer states that its tests show the next-generation delivers 15-20 per cent more mileage than the current Michelin X MultiWay 3D series. The tyre is designed to deliver the lowest cost per kilometre with grip in all weather conditions. The new tyres will initially be available from April in 315/70 R 22.5 all-position and drive fitments, alongside 385/55 R 22.5 steer and trailer tyres. Additional sizes will follow later this year.
The replacement of Michelin’s most popular heavy truck tyre range with a new generation of tyre will get under way at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show. The Birmingham-based road transport fair will play host to the international debut of the all-new Michelin X Multi, a range that is said to deliver 15 to 20 per cent more mileage than the current X MultiWay 3D series.
Michelin states that its accidental damage guarantee for its regional and construction tyre ranges is delivering on its promise of first class reliability and uptime for commercial vehicle fleets. The manufacturer has received 98 claims for damage in the six months from 1 May to 31 October 2016, of which 92 were accepted as valid – from more than 54,000 eligible tyres sold on the replacement market.
Michelin has extended its accidental damage guarantee for regional tyres across the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) to a wider range of fitments. The company’s X Multi Guarantee now covers 37 tyre sizes, including Michelin’s most popular products on the replacement and original equipment markets. This marks an increase of 34 fitments from the previous scheme – and includes all X Multi and X MultiWay regional tyres, in all available sizes.
Michelin has extended its range of robust X Works tyres for the construction sector, adding five new tyres to the line-up of rugged fitments. Available with immediate effect, the X Works range now boasts 315/80 R 22.5 X Works Z (multi-position) tyres, X Works D (drive axle) tyres, plus 385/65 R 22.5 X Works T (trailer axle) tyres. Michelin has renewed its tyre offer for a complete rig – steer, drive and trailer – in the market’s key sizes.
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