Michelin Americas Truck Tires has announced a new energy saving steer tire to serve what it calls a “super regional” application. Soon to be available in three sizes, the product claims low rolling resistance and high durability for long tread life and retreadability.
The Z tire joins an X Multi Energy D drive tire introduced last year, so Michelin now has a total power-unit tire package for regional use, said Ted Becker, vice president of marketing for Michelin Americas. Both tires meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay verified requirements.
X Multi Energy Z claims a 15% reduction in rolling resistance compared to previous Michelin products, so fuel efficiency is better. Helping are a dual compound tread and a smooth-rolling casing, he said.
Good handling is delivered by inter-locking Matrix sipes, and casing life is extended by curb guards and a rectangular bead bundle. When casings come due for recapping, Michelin retreads will offer the same dual compounding, he added.
The X Multi Energy Z is aimed at package delivery, dry van LTL, food and beverage delivery and P&D operations, but will also work in other duties.
The new tire is actually an all-position product suitable for drive and trailer axles as well as steer axles, Becker said. But most truck operators prefer a tread with greater traction on drive axles, which is why the D version exists.
The emerging super regional trucking application stems from changing logistical and transportation patterns, which are an extension of traditional hub-and-spoke operations, Becker said. These combine line-haul with regional and local running, and the Z tire combines elements from more specialized tires for greater capabilities.
On March 1, The Michelin X Multi Energy Z tire wll be available as 11R22.5 in load-ranges G and H, and as a 275/80R22.5 load-range H. It will be available on new trucks starting May 1.
A video about the new tire is at http://www.michelintruck.com/michelintruck_en_us/news/whatsNew.jsp#X_Multi_Energy_Z
