NASHVILLE. Michelin Americas Truck Tires threw down a bold gauntlet during the introduction of its new X Line Energy Z long-haul steer tire here at the 2016 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) annual meeting; guaranteeing that the new tire will get 20% more mileage than its leading competitors or it will pay out twice the difference in purchase costs.
“Allowing fleets to get the most out of their line-haul steer tires is what the new X Line Energy Z tire is all about,” said Adam Murphy, VP- marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires, during the tire maker’s press conference here.
He noted that a new patented dual-energy compound tread and casing design also reduces the X Line Energy Z’s rolling resistance by 5%, so it improves fuel economy as well as extending potential mileage.
The top layer of the tread controls stiffness and stress to reduce irregular wear, while so-called “decoupling grooves” and directional miniature sipes promote even tire wear. Murphy (seen at right) added that for the first half of the tries life, it is “directional,” becoming “non-directional” for the remaining 50%.
He pointed out that the bottom layer of the X Line Energy Z’s tread provides “ultra-fuel efficiency” and retreadability to minimize internal casing temperatures for low rolling resistance and extended casing life.
“That way fleets get the best of both worlds,” added Murphy.
The new casing also allows that fuel efficiency gain to “follow” the tire throughout its life, from new to retread, he pointed out.
Eight sizes of the X Line Energy Z will be offered starting March 1, targeted at the steer tire needs for specific long-haul applications: dry van TL and LTL fleets; refrigerated carriers; tanker and flatbed fleets.
The tire is also covered by Michelin’s 7 year or 700,000 mile warranty, with the casing guaranteed for a minimum of three retreads if retreaded by an authorized Michelin retread dealer, Murphy said.
