LOUISVILLE, KY. Michelin Americas Truck Tires (MATT) introduced the new X One XDA Energy Tire yesterday at the Mid-America Trucking Show. According to the company, the new tire is its most fuel-efficient drive tire to date, delivering more than 7% better fuel efficiency than the top competitors’ most fuel-efficient tires in an independently conducted, 3,000-mi., on-highway test.
The X One XDA Energy, which replaces the current Michelin X One XDA, owes its fuel-efficiency to a variety of factors, including innovative belt designs and advanced technology compounds. More than a quarter-mile of steel cord (dubbed the “Infini-Coil Technology) is wrapped circumferentially around the crown of every X One tire to help reduce irregular wear by reducing casing growth and stabilizing the contact patch. Matrix siping technology also helps to provide exceptional traction on both dry and slippery surfaces.
The new tire is available now coast-to-coast in size 445/50R22.5. In January 2011, size 455/55R22.5 will also be available.
“For long-haul truck fleet managers and owner-operators still sitting on the fence about wide single tires, now is the time to make the switch from traditional duals,” said Don Baldwin, product marketing manager, MATT. “The X One XDA Energy tire is the most fuel-efficient drive tire versus the leading North American competitors, hands down, and can help truck fleets save at least 7% in annual fuel costs when used with Michelin XZA3 steer tires and X One XTA trailer tires.”
Michelin commissioned the independent, third-party testing in February, using three identical 2009 International Prostar 73-in. tractors equipped with Cummins ISX Smart torque engines and 10-spd. transmissions. Trailers were identical 53-ft., two-axle, 29,492-lb. GVW units by Trailmobile Canada, Ltd. Operating conditions were very carefully controlled to ensure the results were due to the differences in tires only. Testers even rotated tires across all three units at 1,000-mi. increments and each unit was driven each of three different drivers for 1,000 mi. at a time.
The independent testing supported what Michelin was already hearing from its customers testing the new tires in the own operations, Michelin noted, that the X One XDA Energy delivers on its fuel-efficiency claims. According to Bruce Stockton of Con-way, for example, who was present at the unveiling, the new tires will save the company more than $10 million in fuel annually. Conway plans to have the X One XDA Energy on 100% of all its tractors and trailers by the end of 2011.
