LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 22, 2012) – Because the trucking industry and its segments continue to evolve and require new technology, Michelin Americas Truck Tires has developed the new MICHELIN® X® MULTI ENERGY D drive tire for regional and the emerging super regional applications. The SmartWay®-verified tire delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, optimized traction and long tread life to provide significant value and performance.
"Michelin continues to push the boundaries of balancing traditional performance characteristics, and the new X MULTI ENERGY D tire is no exception," said Ted Becker, vice president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. "This tire strongly addresses the mileage, fuel, traction and scrub concerns of the regional trucking application, as well as what we see as an emerging super regional application - trucks that operate approximately 100,000 miles per year often within a 500-mile radius."
"This super regional application is the result of the continued trend to shorter routes in the trucking industry," said Becker. "The application is demanding. Our customers are looking for the fuel efficiency of a line haul product with the mileage and traction of a regional product. We deliver both to give our customers the advantage in this emerging industry segment."
The MICHELIN X MULTI ENERGY D tire delivers exceptional fuel economy and casing life by utilizing Michelin's Dual Energy Compound Tread. The top layer of tread rubber is precisely balanced to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency while exhibiting the needed wear properties to resist tread scrub. The bottom layer of tread rubber maintains cool casing temperatures for low rolling resistance and extended casing life.
The tire employs Michelin's Matrix Siping Technology to provide the interlocking tread action for excellent traction and even wear. The zigzag, grooved walls of the siping provide not only biting edges for traction, but also water and snow evacuation. The full-depth sipes deliver traction throughout the life of the tire's tread, and even the tire's shoulder area includes siping, further helping traction in adverse weather conditions without
compromising tread life.
The X Multi Energy D® tire's tread life is prolonged by the use of Sipe Saver Technology. This teardrop shaped groove at the base of the shoulder sipes relieves stresses on the tread and prevents tearing. The wide footprint and wider working belts improve stability. The optimized footprint reduces the need for additional tread depth, allowing for significant mileage from the 24/32nds of original tread.