In 2010, global CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels rose by more than 5% according to the International Energy Agency. At the same time the vehicle industry dedicates huge amounts of resources to reducing CO2 by just a few percentage points. However, minor adjustments to vehicles can have a surprisingly large effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, according to a study by Volvo Trucks and Michelin.

The revelation in November that a new international treaty on climate change will be delayed until 2020 at the earliest means that the actions of individual people and companies to reduce their carbon emissions will become even more important.

Recent research by truck maker Volvo and tyre manufacturer Michelin shows that a quick and simple measure can have a significant impact on emissions without the need for major outlay or new ways of working: checking and correcting the tyres and wheels on your vehicle.

The study shows that having the right tyres, tyre pressure and wheel alignment can reduce fuel consumption – and therefore CO2 emissions – by up to 15%. If the environmental incentive is not enough, in financial terms that could be a saving up to €8,000 (£6,650) per vehicle per year.

“We know that wheel alignment, tyre type and tyre pressure all have a major impact on fuel consumption,” says Arne-Helge Andreassen, business area manager for tyres and wheel alignment at Volvo Trucks’ Aftermarket department. “However, there is a lack of awareness in the transport industry about the importance of checking tyres and wheel alignment on both the truck and the trailer. At our dealers, we can help haulage companies check the entire combination and correct any problems. If everyone did this, it would have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions.”

Volvo Trucks and Michelin decided to produce statistical data on just how much wheel alignment, tyre pressure and rolling resistance affect fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions. In a two-week long, 1,000km test, a combination with optimal tyres, tyre pressures and wheel alignment was compared with a vehicle featuring different wheel alignments and tyre parameters.

The tests were carried out on a track and in a workshop under the watchful eye of SP (the Technical Research Institute of Sweden). The trucks were equipped not only with fuel gauges, but also with special instruments that monitored exact speed, tyre wear, tyre pressure and rolling resistance. The test engineers made adjustments in the test results for factors such as wind, rain and temperature.

“All the conditions tested were realistic, and no exaggerations were allowed,” says Andreassen. “Real life is bad enough. Diesel consumption increases dramatically if the wheels are not entirely parallel. And this applies to all vehicles, for construction and long-haul operations too.”

Analysis of the test results reveals that there can be a difference of as much as 14.5 per cent in fuel consumption depending on how the wheels are aligned and equipped. Choice of tyre can cut consumption by as much as 11 per cent; correct tyre inflation brings a reduction of 1 per cent, while proper wheel alignment can cut fuel consumption by 2.5 per cent.

Jacques de Giancomoni, Technical Account Manager at Michelin, explains that one-third of fuel consumption stems from the tyres’ rolling resistance. “Having the right tyres is of paramount importance,” he says, adding. “But checking tyre pressure – which also has a significant effect on fuel consumption – is also important.”

Andreassen says that as a manufacturer of heavy vehicles, Volvo has considerable responsibility for the effects of its products, and it takes that responsibility seriously. “We must try to do everything we can to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide,” he says. “It’s not enough to just build fuel-efficient engines; Volvo Trucks works consistently and in a variety of ways to cut the fuel consumption of our vehicles throughout their lifecycle.”

Of course correcting the tyre pressure and wheel alignment will not stop climate change, but as commercial traffic accounts for 30 to 40 % of total carbon dioxide emissions from road transport, it is another small but significant step towards a lower carbon future.

The Department for Transport statistics, issued as part of the Road Accidents and Safety Annual Report 2010, underline the risk that winter conditions pose to fleets during the colder months, especially as the first snow has already fallen in the UK this winter. Tyre manufacturer Michelin has chosen to remind truck fleets that the threat of disruption can be reduced if the right tyres are fitted to their vehicles.

The XDW Ice Grip heads a family of specialist truck tyres offered by Michelin for use in challenging winter conditions. Popular on trucks in the Nordic markets and parts of mainland Europe, the XDW Ice Grip is being introduced to the UK for the first time this winter, and offers excellent traction and braking on low grip surfaces.

Alternatively, Michelin also offers truck operators a choice between two all- season M+S rated drive axle tyres, including the XDN2 Grip for fleets preferring a high-grip drive axle fitment. The XDN2 Grip is currently the most popular new Michelin drive-axle fitment on the UK replacement market. Alternatively, the X MultiWay 3D XDE – a drive axle tyre which offers good all-round performance in difficult climatic conditions – can be fitted.

Any Michelin tyre marked with ‘M+S’ has its tread and compound designed in such a way that driving performance on mud and snow is better than with standard tyres.

Martin Covington, Michelin’s Head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing, says: “With winter almost upon us, hauliers and own-account operators should already be thinking about how to keep their vehicles moving in the event of snow and ice.

These statistics highlight the chaos that winter can cause, particularly when you consider that accidents can lead to possible vehicle damage, resulting in avoidable cost and downtime – not to mention possible injury to drivers and other road users.

“Michelin offers a number of solutions to ensure that commercial vehicles are kept as safe as possible, no matter what road conditions they encounter. Fleets should also remember that maintaining tyres at the correct pressures, based on tyre manufacturers’ recommendations, can also significantly improve traction & braking,” he adds.

The XDW Ice Grip is a dedicated winter drive axle tyre which benefits from improved grip in the severe winter conditions thanks to 2,000+ bi-directional sipes and optimised tread rubber.

The XDN2 Grip is an ‘M+S’ marked drive axle tyre and benefits from up to 30 per cent more grip in wet or slippery conditions and up to 15 per cent more grip in snow and ice.

The X MultiWay 3D XDE is also an ‘M+S’ marked drive axle tyre which offers improved grip and reduced braking distance **.

For more information on the Road Accidents and Safety Annual Report 2010 visit: http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/releases/road-accidents-and-safety-annual-report-2010

For further advice on this and any other tyre-related issues, commercial vehicle operators can visit www.michelin.co.uk/atmm and ‘Ask the Michelin Man’.

In Europe, three-axle trucks and buses with an average load capacity of 4.5 tonnes for each tyre are commonplace.

Tyres with a dimension of 22.5 inches on multiple axle trucks can then carry loads of up to nine tonnes with ease.

Michelin has developed a tyre specially for such vehicles. It can carry a load of 5 tonnes, which translates to a load capacity of 10 tonnes per axle. That’s an 11 plus per cent improvement per axle.

Porteous joined Michelin when he graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in 1990. He worked as an Industrial Engineer developing systems and methods for Michelin’s tyre manufacturing plants in the UK. He later transferred to the Competitions Department where he spent 4 seasons (1995 – 1998) as a Michelin Competition Tyre Engineer within the TWR Volvo British Touring Car Team.

In 1999 he moved to Michelin’s truck division and became responsible for providing technical support to UK customers, including the Ministry of Defence. During this time he has also acted as Michelin’s ‘expert-witness’ in product liability cases for its Group products – a role he will continue to maintain.

Porteous will now head-up a team of seven Technical Managers, who work closely with customers, dealers and the Company’s own road staff to support all technical aspects surrounding the specification, fitment and safe operation of Michelin commercial vehicle tyres. These Technical Managers also feed back performance information to assist in the development of new products. His teamalso includes two Survey Technicians who monitor the performance of prototype Michelin tyres on trial within selected truck, bus, coach, car and van fleets.

“I’m looking forward to my new role,” says Porteous. “The last 12 years have provided an excellent foundation within the UK tyre market and we’re currently involved in a number of exciting projects.

“We’re rolling-out new tyres within our fuel-saving Energy Savergreen range, preparing for the introduction of tyre labelling and advising both the government and industry on winter tyre fitments to help the country ensure better and safer mobility in severe winter conditions” he adds.

Porteous will be based at Michelin’s UK headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent and will report to Martin Covington, Head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing.

The new tyre’s name – X® MultiWayTM 3D – sums up its mission… or rather its missions.

The term “Multiway” should be interpreted as broadly as possible since the tyre delivers superior traction regardless of the road surface, was for driving on main and secondary roads as well as on motorways and can be driven in all seasons.

Similarly, the savings generated by the X® MultiWayTM 3D should be seen as a whole. The tyre’s fuel efficiency, longevity and retreadability help to reduce its environmental impact.

Lower fuel consumption and longer total mileage also make trucking companies more productive. But that’s not all. The tyre’s superior traction in all driving conditions helps truckers get the job done efficiently and safely. Thanks to its outstanding grip, the X® MultiWayTM 3D limits the risk of incidents that can slow deliveries, thereby improving productivity.

The 295/80 R 22.5 XDW Ice Grip heads a family of specialist truck tyres offered by Michelin for use in challenging winter conditions.

Michelin unveiled the tyre for the first time following successive bad winters which have seen thousands of trucks grind to a halt – costing the road transport industry millions of euro in lost revenue.

Martin Covington, Head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing at Michelin, explains: “The effects of climate change mean operators are calling for greater mobility during the winter months, so we expect the XDW Ice Grip to be a real talking point at the Show. It will allow visitors to see up-close the differences between normal truck tyres and dedicated winter fitments.”

The XDW Ice Grip is popular on trucks in the Nordic markets and parts of mainland Europe. It leads Michelin’s snow and ice range and offers excellent traction and braking on low grip surfaces thanks to a deep tread pattern featuring numerous lateral grooves, patented sipes and a special rubber compound for driving in very low temperatures.

Michelin stopped fleet managers in their tracks at the NEC last week, as its XDW Ice Grip tyre made its Commercial Vehicle Show debut.

The 295/80 R 22.5 XDW Ice Grip heads a family of specialist truck tyres offered by Michelin for use in challenging winter conditions.

Michelin unveiled the tyre for the first time following successive bad winters which have seen thousands of trucks grind to a halt – costing the road transport industry millions of euro in lost revenue.

Martin Covington, Head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing at Michelin, explains: “The effects of climate change mean operators are calling for greater mobility during the winter months, so we expect the XDW Ice Grip to be a real talking point at the Show. It will allow visitors to see up-close the differences between normal truck tyres and dedicated winter fitments.”

The XDW Ice Grip is popular on trucks in the Nordic markets and parts of mainland Europe. It leads Michelin’s snow and ice range and offers excellent traction and braking on low grip surfaces thanks to a deep tread pattern featuring numerous lateral grooves, patented sipes and a special rubber compound for driving in very low temperatures.

The tyre manufacturer’s Sales Process and Training Manager, Richard Whitehurst, oversaw the full-day tyre-safety workshop with the instructors, who are employees of the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

The workshop marked part of Michelin’s contribution to Transaid’s Professional Driver Training project in sub-Saharan Africa, where road accidents are the third highest cause of premature death after HIV/AIDS and malaria.

The scheme, which focuses on improving and sustaining safety awareness levels and driving standards across the professional driver community, has seen 1,200 drivers trained to date, including many through the ITC.

Whitehurst said: “As one of Transaid’s founding members, we are keen to make this contribution to the extremely important work it carries out in Africa.

“We are aware at Michelin that the misuse of tyres can be a contributing factor in road traffic accidents. For that reason, as a manufacturer, we are committed to educating drivers in all aspects of tyre safety, both in the UK and globally.”

He added: “In countries like Zambia, where good tyre condition is not enforced by law, we recognise the even greater urgency for training, and we are glad to work together with both Transaid and the ITC to help fill that gap.”

As well as tyre safety, Michelin led the instructors through a ‘training to train’ module which saw them versed in the principles of effective teaching and learning, so their acquired skills can be passed on to their fellow training staff and students.

The workshop was the second part of a two-way exchange which, in 2008, took former Michelin Training Instructor Nigel Williams to Zambia’s ITC to teach a two-week intensive course to nine driver-trainers.

His intensive course focused not only on tyre safety awareness but also the principles of effective teaching, or ‘training to train’.

Williams, who is now a member of the company’s sales force, said this session would serve as a ‘valuable refresher lesson’.

The transport operator recorded a 5.08 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency when using Michelin’s XZA 2 Energy and XDA 2 Energy tyres compared to the fleet’s existing XZE 2+ and XDE 2+ fitments, which are principally designed for regional haulage. Performance was measured using two identical Scania R 420 6×2 tractor units.

Michelin Energy tyres are designed for commercial vehicles operating on long distance routes with high average speeds and are manufactured from a special rubber compound which ensures a very low rolling resistance with no loss of grip.

James Nuttall has also specified six new Cartwright ‘Cheetah’ Fastback trailers with Michelin’s X One MaxiTrailer tyres as original equipment. These 455/45 R 22.5 tyres were chosen for the extra trailer load capacity they afford, since their lower height enables manufacturers to lower the deck of the trailer, increasing available volume by at least 5mł.

The X One MaxiTrailer tyres benefit from Infinicoil architecture, one of the key innovations of Michelin Durable Technologies, which consists of a 400 metre steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown, delivering unrivalled robustness, greater longevity and more even wear. Compared to a 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2, the tread band is also 120 millimetres wider and has 35 per cent more rubber in the compound, which serves to increase the mileage potential of each tyre by up to 50 per cent.

James Nuttall’s truck fleet comprises both full capacity artics and 17 and18- tonne rigids, the majority of which are manufactured by Scania. Its vehicles are used for general haulage and each covers approximately 90,000 km per year. The company is a member of the Fortec Pallet Network and The Transport Association.

The research, revealed by Michelin, discovered that not only are motorists letting poor tyre pressure affect their bank balance, but more than 58,000 tonnes of CO2 is being needlessly released into the atmosphere.

Driving with the wrong tyre pressures can put more stress on the vehicle’s steering and suspension components and cause it to burn extra fuel. It can also negatively affect the vehicle’s handling making it unstable and increasing the risk of accidents.

Luckily for Irish drivers, Michelin is racing to the rescue of motorists who are in the dark when it comes to tyre pressures.

The Michelin Fill Up With Air team is taking to the road to offer free tyre checks to help improve safety and reduce vehicle CO2 emissions, while also helping motorists save cash.

Michelin’s head of communications, Peter Snelling, said: “Last year, more than half of the cars surveyed were found to have punctures, or be dangerously under inflated.**

“This is a very worrying situation, it really is a matter of life and death and people should learn to check their tyres regularly and thoroughly which is what we can help them to do.

Tyres that are incorrectly inflated can cause poor handling on the road and potentially lead to serious accidents and put lives at risk.

“Last year we checked more than 700 cars and the results showed that some motorists in this country are simply not taking tyre maintenance seriously. This year the Michelin Fill Up With Air team will be visiting five locations across the Republic of Ireland, so if we’re in your town please take 10 minutes to come in for a free tyre check.”

Michelin is campaigning to make drivers aware that the wrong tyre pressures can mean tyres wear out more quickly as well as increasing the car’s fuel consumption. With fuel prices still high it is now more important than ever that people set their tyres to the correct pressure.

Peter Snelling added: “It is not only the nation’s purse which is suffering but the environment too. If motorists consume less fuel by having the correct tyre pressure then they produce less CO2 emissions which is much better for the environment.”

The Fill Up with Air Roadshow will be touring Ireland during September, visiting Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.

Drivers who want to find their nearest FUWA location can log on to the Michelin website at www.michelin.com

The trial took place at QinetiQ’s automotive test facility in Chobham, Surrey, using the only tilt-table in the country capable of accommodating a fully loaded 13.6m commercial vehicle.

The first stage of the trial saw a MAN 6×2 tractor unit and Kel-Berg tri-axle tipping trailer, belonging to Parsons Nationwide Distribution Ltd (a Bardon Aggregates Contractor), drive onto the tilt-table fitted with Michelin’s award winning 455/45 R 22.5 X One MaxiTrailer tyres, which the company has been trialling for six months. Staff from QinetiQ then tilted the table until the tyres began to lose contact at an angle of 26.2 degrees.

The Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres were then removed and replaced with (standard) Michelin 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3 trailer tyres. The test was repeated, but the vehicle only achieved an angle of 24.6 degrees before the tyres lost contact. This demonstrated that the low profile construction of the X One MaxiTrailer tyre can increases a vehicle’s overturn angle by as much as 6.5 per cent.

Paul Kendrick, Michelin’s truck product marketing manager, says: “The trial proved to be yet another tick in the box for the X One MaxiTrailer, confirming the anecdotal feedback we get from drivers who say they really notice an improvement in vehicle stability when driving on our 455/45 R 22.5 trailer tyres.

“It also serves up a convincing argument for operators looking to maximise safety. As a direct result of the trial, Parsons Nationwide Distribution has confirmed it will consider specifying X One MaxiTrailer tyres on all new trailers joining its fleet.”

Michelin’s X One MaxiTrailer tyres are already used by more than 75 different operators around the UK – with one firm, Boughey Distribution, fitting them to more than 100 trailers in its fleet. Compared with a 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3 trailer tyre, an X One MaxiTrailer offers a 120mm increase in tread width, 35 per cent more usable tread rubber, a larger contact patch to reduce tread wear and more robust shoulders to resist lateral scrubbing – all of which help to increase overall longevity by up to 50 per cent.

X One MaxiTrailer tyres can also deliver a substantial increase in trailer volume capacity when fitted to conventional or mega volume trailers, as its lower profile enables manufacturers to lower the deck of the trailer, increasing available volume by between 5 and 9m³ on vehicles, depending

on fifth wheel height.

X One MaxiTrailer tyres incorporate Michelin Durable Technologies – the name given to a series of patented innovations which are widely considered to represent the most notable change in truck tyre manufacturing since Michelin introduced radial truck tyres in 1952. Such is the significance of these enhancements, it is expected that within the next three years, Michelin Durable Technologies will be incorporated into nearly every new Michelin truck tyre sold in Europe.

The tyres were en-route from Michelin’s Dundee factory to a distribution centre in mainland Europe and were stolen when thieves slashed the curtain-sides of the trailer while the driver was asleep.

The sizes of tyres stolen were as follows (quantity in brackets):

195/65 R 15 91H Energy Saver (35)

185/65 R 15 88H Energy Saver (205)

195/65 R 15 91V Energy Saver (164)

155/70 R 13 75T Energy E3B (67)

185/65 R 14 86T Energy Saver (92)

175/70 R 13 82T Energy E3B (55)

165/70 R 13 79T Energy E3B (61)

155/80 R 13 79T Kleber Viaxer (58)

The total number of tyres stolen was 737 and Michelin is asking dealers to be on the lookout for any of these products being offered outside of normal distribution channels.

All the tyres were manufactured in 2010 and the DOT numbers will end in one of the following date codes: 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017 or 1018.

If anyone has any information on this, please contact either Michelin on 0845 3661535, or PC Paul Anderson at Leicestershire Police on 0116 248 3029.

This follows a year-long tyre trial which has seen a Montracon trailer already cover 200,000 km with a further 20,000 km mileage potential remaining before needing to be re-grooved.

The tyres were fitted as original equipment on the trailer, which has operated since new on busy trunking routes between the Nestlé factory in York and its distribution hubs across the UK
As a direct result of this exceptional performance Nestlé Logistics has specified X One MaxiTrailer tyres on a further 12 new Montracon tri-axle trailers which are currently entering service. The company is also extending the policy to its ongoing trailer replacement programme.

Ralph Defty, Nestlé Logistics Vehicle Engineering Manager, comments: “Our first set of X One MaxiTrailer tyres has performed very well, clocking up an impressive mileage before needing to be regrooved.  Their low rolling resistance is also enabling us to benefit from improved fuel efficiencies, whilst the unique dimensions of this new tyre size guarantee superior road holding and trailer stability in all conditions.

“As a direct result of the trial we will be specifying X One MaxiTrailer tyres as original equipment on all new trailers which join our fleet,” he adds.

Nestlé Logistics’ own team of Michelin-trained technicians maintain all tyres across its fleet of 16 MAN TGX 6×2 tractor units and 197 trailers, which includes 13 specialist Magyar temperature controlled chocolate tankers.  The customer also benefits from access to ATS Euromaster’s fleet of 1,000 mobile service vehicles which provide emergency assistance at the roadside in the event of a tyre-related breakdown.

Every X One MaxiTrailer tyre benefits from Infinicoil architecture, one of the key innovations of Michelin Durable Technologies, consisting of up to a 400-metre steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown to deliver unrivalled robustness, greater longevity and even wear.   Compared to a regular 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2 trailer tyre, the tread band is also 120 millimetres wider and has 35 per cent more rubber in the compound, which is responsible for increasing the mileage potential by up to 50 per cent.

Under the contract signed on 25 January 2010, Michelin will supply truck tyres as original equipment for vehicles assembled by Volvo in North America, South America, Europe and, for the first time, Turkey, and marketed under the Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Renault Trucks and Mack Trucks trade names.

With the signing of this new contract, the two companies also decided to pursue and step up their cooperation in the area of research and development. The goal is to bring market innovations to equip future generations of Volvo Group vehicles, which will be more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly thanks in part to Michelin’s low fuel consumption tyres.

Michelin already equips trucks sold by the Volvo Group around the world with its MICHELIN ENERGY™ tyre ranges. These tyres enable trucking companies to reduce fuel consumption by at least 2 litres per 100 km while also benefiting from superior safety performance and longer tread life. What’s more, MICHELIN ENERGY™ tyres offer additional savings since they can be regrooved, retreaded and then regrooved a second time.

“Michelin and the Volvo Group share the same vision of socially and environmentally responsible mobility,” said Pete Selleck, President of Michelin’s worldwide truck tyre business and member of the Group Executive Council.

“With this agreement, Michelin will provide Volvo with innovations that improve transport company performance while also protecting the environment.”

Designed by Michelin to deliver up to 50 per cent more mileage than standard R22.5 385/65 XTE2 tyres, the 455/45 R 22.5 X One MaxiTrailer tyres are fitted on two new Montracon tri-axle curtainside trailers.

The company has operated a 100 per cent Michelin tyre policy across its mixed fleet of 130 Scania, DAF and Volvo tractor units and 300 trailers for four years, supported by local independent MBA (Michelin Business Advantage) tyre distributor A1 Tyres.

Michael Murray, responsible for the Mulgrew Haulage tyre purchasing and maintenance policy, comments: “As a company we never stay still and like to change with the times, investing in new innovations that make good business sense.

“Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres offer us a range of significant fleet benefits in terms of mileage and fuel efficiencies, so we have made the decision to specify them as original equipment on our two latest Montracon trailers.”

Each new X One MaxiTrailer tyre benefits from Infinicoil architecture, one of the key innovations of Michelin Durable Technologies, consisting of up to a 400 metre steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown, delivering unrivalled robustness, greater longevity and even wear. Compared to a 385/65 R 22.5, the tread band is also 120 millimetres wider and has 35 per cent more rubber in the compound, which is responsible for increasing the mileage potential of each tyre by up to 50 per cent.

“We will be running a series of trials with these new trailers over a variety of different routes with a view to specifying X One MaxiTrailer tyres as original equipment on all new trailers if the trial is a success,” concludes Mr Murray.

The Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyre is primarily available for fitment as original equipment on new trailers manufactured across Europe, and when fitted to most conventional or mega volume trailers it offers the additional benefit of increasing load volume by between five and nine cubic metres due to its low profile design. Staff from A1 Tyres have maintained and monitored tyres on the Mulgrew fleet for over 10 years to Michelin’s high standards of customer service and technical competence.

Wilson Mackey, Managing Director of A1 Tyres, comments: “We continually seek ways for our customers to maximise fleet tyre performance and support Mulgrew in this move to X One MaxiTrailer tyres. We will be monitoring the new fitment with interest.”

Mulgrew Haulage specialises in transport between Ireland and the UK. The company also offers a regular and reliable service for internal Irish movements. Established in 1973 the company has grown to become one of Ireland’s biggest and most recognisable independent hauliers operating an extensive and immaculate fleet of high cube trailers with an internal height of 3.1m. A big focus on customer satisfaction has been rewarded with a customer base which reflects most of the Blue Chip companies within the food and drink and packaging sectors.

The combination of the V-Streamline’s new aerodynamic properties and the Michelin EnergyTM range’s exclusive technology will enable road transport companies to maximise fuel efficiencies.

This new semi-trailer can help reduce fuel consumption – thus CO2 emissions, while also reducing noise levels. These benefits are the resultof unique aerodynamic properties specially developed by Stas from aerospace technology combined with the superior performance of Michelin tyres.

Stas has chosen Michelin to supply tyres for its new V-Streamline tipper because Michelin EnergyTM tyres help to make trucks more energy efficient by reducing fuel consumption and delivering maximum mileage. At the same time, Michelin tyres improve safety performance by enhancing grip.

Introduced in late 2008, the new Michelin X® EnergyTM Savergreen Range illustrates this unique performance balance. It reduces fuel consumption by 500 litres per truck per year, while improving grip by 7 per cent and thus safety.

Exceptionally long lasting thanks to their new EnergyflexTM casing, the Michelin X® EnergyTM Savergreen range delivers fuel savings throughout the tyre’s four lives – new, regrooved, retreaded using Michelin Remix technology, then regrooved a second time.

Michelin EnergyTM tyres reduce fuel consumption by 2.5 litres per 100 kilometres. This was confirmed in tests conducted by Stas and Michelin on 12 November 2009 at the Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium.

The tests compared two identical vehicles equipped with different tyres. The Michelin X® EnergyTM Savergreen tyres fitted on the tractor and the Michelin XTA 2+ EnergyTM tyres fitted on the Stas V-Streamline trailer were compared – in identical conditions with tyres that do not benefit from Michelin EnergyTM technology.

Based in Waregem, Belgium, Stas is one Europe’s leading manufacturers of aluminium tipping and moving-floor trailers.

The trial saw a set of the tyres fitted to a new Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle trailer and compared directly against Dunlop tyres fitted to many of the other trailers in its fleet.

So far the new Michelin tyres have covered 176,569 km, with a further 9 mm of tread remaining. Used primarily on trunking routes between Ashford in Kent and Italy, the tyres are projected to cover a further 78,000 km before needing to be regrooved in-line with Michelin’s Four Lives tyre policy.

As a direct result of the trial, Alcaline is now fitting X One MaxiTrailer tyre on 15 new Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle trailers which are entering service in its fleet during 2009. These will join more than 170 vehicles and trailers spread between operations in the UK, Holland and Italy.

Mick Richards, Fleet Engineer at Alcaline, comments: “We are a 24-hour business operating across Europe, so tyre-related breakdowns can have a massive impact on our service and also affect our costs.

We made the decision to trial the Michelin X One MaxiTrailer tyres as we were experiencing damage, casing failures and heavy wear on other makes of tyres fitted to brand new trailers as original equipment.

“We approached Michelin to see if they had a solution and arranged for a set of X One MaxiTrailer tyres to be fitted to a new curtainsider. Over the course of the 12-month trial these tyres were considered to be the best we’ve ever bought. Damage has been eliminated thanks to the robust sidewalls and we are recording exceptional mileage performance.”