LOUISVILLE -- Customer now have two more Michelin tire option to choose from; the X Line Energy T trailer tire, and the X Line Energy D Pre-Mold drive tire retread.

The X Line Energy T is engineered with to provide cool running tread rubber which minimizes internal casing temperatures for 10% lower rolling resistance and extended casing life. Compared to the Michelin XT-1, the company claims the X Line Energy T will deliver a 10% reduction in rolling resistance.

The X Line Energy T also has a special curb guard feature to protect the sidewall and shoulder areas, promoting a longer casing life and better retreadability. A rectangular bead bundle is said to reduce heat and rubber fatigue. Four circumferential grooves provide water evacuation for optimized traction and improved handling, Michelin says. There's also a shoulder groove designed to reduce irregular wear.

"By utilizing state of the art compounding and an engineered shoulder groove, the X Line Energy T provides a no-compromise answer for fuel efficiency with exceptional mileage and durability,” said Ted Becker, vice president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires.

The new trailer tire will be available in May in four sizes including: 11R22.5, 275/80R22.5, 11R24.5, and 275/80R24.5. The X Line Energy T replaces both the XTA Energy tire and the XT-1.   

X Line Energy D Pre-Mold Retread

Michelin has also unveiled a new drive-tire retread product, the X Line Energy D Pre-Mold. It is the first dual casing Michelin-On-Michelin retread offering, meaning it is available only for retreading on Michelin brand casings.

Michelin says the retread delivers "exceptional fuel economy" with "breakthrough levels of tread life and outstanding traction," and backs that claim with a guarantee of 25% more mileage versus other SmartWay verified drive retreads.

“Michelin is addressing trucking companies’ ongoing concerns of balancing low rolling resistance with mileage and traction through the introduction of the X Line Energy D tire and the innovative X Line Energy D Pre-Mold retread,” said Becker.

The X Line Energy D Pre-Mold offers a 21/32nds dual-compound tread where the top layer of tread rubber delivers enhanced wear resistance while the bottom layer incorporates a cool running tread rubber to minimizes internal casing temperatures for low rolling resistance and extended casing life. Michelin says it's also the first line haul energy drive dual retread to employ Matrix Siping Technology, Becker says. “The zigzag, grooved walls of the siping provide biting edges with interlocking action that deliver improved traction and even wear. The full-depth, teardrop siping feature extends late life traction and improves tear resistance.

“Quite simply, all fuel efficient tires and retreads are not equal,” Becker added. “We have been and will remain focused on bringing products to our customers that lead in fuel efficiency while delivering benchmark levels of mileage and traction. It is Michelin’s commitment to provide fuel efficiency without compromise.”

The X Line Energy D Pre-Mold is EPA SmartWay verified.