Michelin Americas Truck Tires, a division of Michelin North America, Inc. has launched a new steer tire engineered to improve fuel efficiency as well as tread life and durability for trucks running in regional and what the tire maker terms “emerging super-regional” applications.
The new Michelin X Multi Energy Z meets the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be SmartWay-verified as fuel efficient— it boasts a 15% reduction in rolling resistance-- as well as “excellent longevity and a high degree of overall durability,” according to the tire maker.
The tire will become available on March 1 to fleets in the U.S. and Canada in three sizes: 11R22.5 LRG, 11R22.5 LRH and 275/80R22.5 LRH.
“Michelin is excited to again offer a no compromise truck tire solution ̶ this time for regional steer tires,” said Ted Becker, vp of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires.
“The new X Multi Energy Z offers the industry’s best combination of fuel savings and mileage in a regional application,” he continued, “When combined with the Michelin X Multi Energy D drive tire, it provides a complete SmartWay regional solution.”
According to Michelin, the new tire is also ideal for the super-regional application, which the company said is emerging due to changing logistical and transportation patterns.
During a conference call with reporters, Paul Johnston, Michelin business segment manager, explained that a super-regional application will experience both regional and highway driving as it is engaged in both regional and intermodal transport. He said this trend is emerging “especially on the Eastern Seaboard” and will be partly driven by the expansion of the Panama Canal.
According to Johnston, super-regional operations desire a steer tire that is fuel-efficient and that “combats irregular wear during highway operations as well as the abuse tires incur in regional service.”
The X Multi Energy Z tire features a dual- compound tread and a new “energy casing” that Michelin said provides both low rolling resistance and long tread life. In addition, “outstanding handling is delivered by inter-locking Matrix sipes” and casing life is extended by curb guards and a rectangular bead bundle.
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