Michelin X Line Energy and X Multiway 3D tyres rate highest in comparative tests
In two separate tests, the independent certification organisations TÜV Sud Automotive and DEKRA have confirmed the performance of two of the latest Michelin truck tyre ranges when compared with premium competitor brand tyres.
The two certification organisations, well respected for their test methodology and high-quality analysis, compared the Michelin X Line Energy long-distance tyres against four competing brands, whilst DEKRA compared the Michelin X MultiWay 3D regional tyre against three competing brands.
At Michelin’s request and in real conditions of use, TÜV Sud Automotive organised a comparative energy efficiency test involving five latest-generation, premium truck tyres.
This saw the Michelin X Line Energy range demonstrate superior fuel-saving performance compared with its competitors, recording an average difference in fuel consumption of 1.2 litres per 100 km against the four competitors – and a difference of 1.84 litres per 100 km compared with the least fuel-efficient competitor. For a tractor unit and trailer combination driven 130,000 km per year in long-haul use, this represents savings of more than €1,750 per vehicle per year.
Michelin launched its X Line Energy fuel-saving range onto the replacement market in February 2013 – four months after its introduction as original equipment on tractor units manufactured by Renault Trucks and Volvo Trucks.
Since 1992, the Michelin Group has been a pioneer in the development of low rolling resistance, fuel-saving tyres and the X Line Energy line-up is the fifth generation of highly energy-efficient tyres to be marketed by Michelin. The company is focused on constantly innovating to ensure it provides road transport fleets with tyres which help to optimise total value of ownership by delivering superior performance over a long life, thanks to their impressive longevity, optimised grip, retreadable casing and regroovable tread.
In a test conducted by DEKRA, the X MultiWay 3D was proven to stop quicker under braking than three other regional-type truck tyre ranges.
At Michelin’s request, DEKRA, the German certification organisation, compared four different latest-generation premium tyres in a test that involved braking on a low-traction surface. All of the tyres in the test were two-thirds worn.
The test showed that the X MultiWay 3D stopped an average of 44.9m shorter than the other brands, and 68.8m shorter than the tyre which took longest to stop.
The X MultiWay 3D range gets its name from the three-dimensional tread sipes which generate grip in difficult climatic conditions, locking together when needed to maintain the stability of the tread band. The design merges excellent traction, longevity and fuel-efficiency with outstanding safety, comfort and cost-effectiveness. The first X MultiWay 3D tyres entered the market in 2011 and have quickly become established amongst the top-selling Michelin commercial vehicle tyres in Europe.