Michelin's launches next-generation green tyre

ERJ staff report (DS)

Berlin, Germany -- Michelin has used its Challenge Bibendum event to launch the latest generation of energy-saving tyre, the XM2. THis new tyre is aimed at the 14-, 15- and 16-inch tyre segment and at different markets around the world. Michelin said it has silica-based compounds in many of the sub-components and also has improved resistance to kerb damage, pot-holes and other severe deformations

Michelin said the tyre offers better wet grip, lasts longer and offers improved fuel consumption, extending all three corners of the so-called 'magic triangle'.

Prior to the launch, Didier Miraton, partner of the Group, said Michelin has developed new key metrics for its tyre development: how much performance can be delivered by kilogram of raw material. In the case of truck tyres, this might be how much payload can be carried per kilo of tyre; in the aircraft segment, it might be how many landings per kilo of tyre; in te passenger car segment, it is how far can te tyre carry a car and how much fuel the tyre uses per kilo of raw material. Miraton said this is how Miuchelin compares different options and it uses these metrics to develop tyres which offer improved performance.

Jean-Dominique Senard, managing partner, said Michelin believes in delivering good value to consumers in terms of total cost of ownership of the tyre. He acknowledged that the purchase price of a Michelin tyre might be higher than some competitors, but added that, becuase the Michelin tyre lasts longer and offers improved fuel economy, that the total cost of ownership is always competitive.

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Press release from Michelin