Michelin wins Abellio fleet management deal

London – French tire maker Michelin has won a contract to manage the 800-strong bus fleet belonging to German passenger transport operator Abellio in the UK.

The five-year cost-per-mile Effitires contract sees Abellio return to fitting Michelin after moving to a rival manufacturer in 2012.

In a 7 Sept statement, Michelin said the new agreement had been structured to deliver “maximum compliance and safety” for Abellio’s fleet of single and double-deck buses.

As part of the agreement, Abellio will become involved in new product testing for Michelin to support the development of the company’s urban tires – which it says will bring improvements in fuel efficiency, durability, safety and noise.

Michelin Solutions will manage all new Michelin tires through a multi-life process including regrooving and retreading.

From October, all new vehicles joining the fleet – currently comprised of ADL buses – will be specified with Michelin tires as original equipment.