LOUISVILLE, KY -- In response to changing traffic patterns, and the emergence of regional operations as major segment of the trucking industry, Michelin Americas Truck Tires has launched a drive tire with on-highway fuel efficiency and protection from the bumps and scrapes of urban service.

The new Michelin X Multi Energy D drive tire is SmartWay-verified, and delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, optimized traction and long tread life to provide significant value and performance, the company says.

"Michelin continues to push the boundaries of balancing traditional performance characteristics, and the new X Multi Energy D tire is no exception," said Ted Becker, vice president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. "This tire addresses the mileage, fuel, traction and scrub concerns of the regional trucking application, as well as what we see as an emerging super regional application -- trucks that operate approximately 100,000 miles per year, often within a 500-mile radius."

The Michelin X Multi Energy D tire delivers exceptional fuel economy and casing life by utilizing Michelin's Dual Energy Compound Tread. The top layer of tread rubber is balanced to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency while exhibiting the needed wear properties to resist tread scrub. The bottom layer of tread rubber maintains cool casing temperatures for low rolling resistance and extended casing life.

The tire employs Michelin's Matrix Siping technology to provide the interlocking tread action for excellent traction and even wear. The zigzag, grooved walls of the siping provide not only biting edges for traction, but also water and snow evacuation. The full-depth sipes deliver traction throughout the life of the tire's tread, and even the tire's shoulder area includes siping, further helping traction in adverse weather conditions without compromising tread life.

The X Multi Energy D tire's tread life is prolonged by the use of SipeSaver Technology. This teardrop shaped groove at the base of the shoulder sipes relieves stresses on the tread and prevents tearing. The wide footprint and wider working belts improve stability. The optimized footprint reduces the need for additional tread depth, allowing for significant mileage from the 24/32nds of original tread.

X One XDN2 Retread Now Available, with a Guarantee

To support the growing demand for wide-single tire products, Michelin is introducing the X One XDN2 Pre-Mold retread for fleets and owner-operators who want the fuel and weight savings of a wide-single tire with the traction of a lug-style tread. The retread is now available.

"X One wide single tires continue to offer huge benefits to the trucking industry," said Ted Becker, vice president of marketing, Michelin Americas Truck Tires. "The Michelin X One XDN2 retread combined with the weight and fuel savings of the Michelin X One casing offers even better grip and fuel efficiency."

The popular all-weather drive tread design now available in the X One XDN2 retread delivers superior traction and optimized mileage. The retread's Matrix Siping Technology provides exceptional traction on dry and slippery surfaces. Full-depth sipes supply excellent levels of traction, while the three-dimensional Matrix sipes lock together for the stability normally associated with solid tread blocks. The tread's wide, open shoulder grooves deliver additional traction balanced with tread life. The 375 mm retread is available with 27/32nds of tread depth.

The Michelin X One XDN2 Pre-Mold is only available for retreading on Michelin X One casings, and qualifies for the Michelin On Michelin Guarantee, which pledges 30 percent more mileage than competitor retreads and also guarantees a second X One trailer retread on a Michelin casing.

Full details on the Michelin On Michelin Guarantee details can be found at www.michelintruck.com.