CV Show 2014: Tire technology marches forward

ERJ staff report (TP)

Birmingham, UK – Tire technology marches on, with several manufacturers revealing new models and sizes at the Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show last week, reported David Wilcox for Commercial Motor.

Michelin first unveiled its regional trailer tire, the X Multi T, two years ago, but that was as a low-profile (55 series) tire. This year it was at the CV Show in the UK’s preferred trailer tire size of 385/65 R22.5, featuring Carbion, Michelin’s secret tread compound ingredient.

Attributes claimed include greater resistance to abrasion and lower operating temperature. Consequently, Michelin claims the tire will deliver 10 percent longer life than the 385/65 R 22.5 XTE trailer tire it replaces.

It has a ‘B’ rating for rolling resistance and wet-grip.

As of October, Michelin will add a radio frequency identification tag to the tire so that it will carry its own details, capable of being updated with its maintenance history by a tire service company.

Continental has a complete new range of truck tires, all carrying a ‘3’ suffix to indicate that these are third generation, either EcoPlus for long-distance work, or Hybrid for regional applications.

Production starts soon with EcoPlus models in 315/70 and 315/80 R22.5 sizes.

The EcoPlus HD3 for drive-axles has unusually close-set blocks with very narrow grooving, increasing the amount of rubber in the centre of the footprint, but with highly chamfered shoulders for reduced heat.

Better fuel efficiency compared with their ‘L’ range predecessors is claimed for EcoPlus tires.

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Full story from Commercial Motor