Michelin reports truck tire size shift in UK

Stoke-on-Trent, UK – Michelin has reported a “steady shift” towards 315/70 R 22.5 fitments within the UK truck tire replacement market.

The trend, according to Michelin, is being driven by the growth of Euro VI registrations and lower cost-of-ownership with the new tire sizes.

Figures released by European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) show the 295/80 R 22.5 – widely used by UK hauliers – has decreased its share of the UK's replacement market by 3 points since 2010.

Over the same time scale, the 315/70 R 22.5 has increased its share by 3.4 points, and the 315/80 R 22.5 by 0.6 points.

This trend, Michelin said, is strengthening year-on-year, with the 295/80 decreasing by 1 point between 2014 and 2015 and the 315/70 growing by 1.7 points.

“Operators are realising that moving to 315/70 tires can reduce their running costs and open access to the very latest generations of products, which tend to be developed in this size first due to its popularity across Europe,” said Guy Heywood, commercial director of Michelin Tyre Plc.

Michelin added that 315/70 tires offer benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and tire longevity.