Michelin Americas Research & Development Corp. has won the 2003 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Excellence in Transportation Award in the Mobile Energy Emissions category.

The award was presented to the company during the recent SAE Government/Industry meeting in Washington, D.C.
The award was presented to MIchelin in recognition of the company’s development of the X One single-wide truck tire for the environment, including the tire’s energy savings and emissions reductions capabilities. The Mobile Energy and Emissions award recognizes innovations in fuel source, fuel savings, CO2 reduction and energy use reduction in transportation. The award also recognizes innovations that reduce mobile source emissions through design improvements, source reduction or control efficiency.
The Michelin X One new-generation single-wide truck tire is a breakthrough in truck tire innovation. It replaces two conventional dual tires with a single X One tire and has proven to save from four to 10% in fuel cost, decrease overall weight by 800 to 1,300 pounds and thereby increase the payload of a truck by the same weight.
"The X One is enabling technology, rather than just a product, that enables OE manufacturers to redesign their vehicles, making them more stable, able to carry larger loads, operate more economically and handle better," said Terry Gettys, chief operating officer and president of MARC. "From an environmental standpoint, X One truck tires save countless gallons of fuel each year."
All X One tires incorporate Michelin's patented InfiniCoil technology, a unique stabilizing belt construction that runs perpendicular to the radial ply to optimize wear and handling. The X One tires also incorporate conventional full-width steel belts and one radial ply, which complement the stabilizing action of the tire. Drivers say that the X One tires have improved responsiveness and handling over conventional tires.
The entire X One line is available through all original equipment manufacturers as well as for replacement purchase through Michelin dealers and at travel plazas nationwide.
Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America Inc. (www.michelintruck.com) employs 23,920 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.