Partnership to begin in second half of 2023
- MICHELIN® Energy Guard Mud Flaps are designed to produce an ROI far outpacing standard flaps.
- Both companies are recognized leaders in sustainability and advanced R&D.
GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 26, 2023 – Michelin North America, Inc., and Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company (Utility) have reached an agreement to deliver Michelin® Energy Guard Mud Flaps as standard fitment for all of Utility’s refrigerated trailers starting in the second half of 2023.
The accessory, also available to dry van customers, is designed to reduce fuel and maintenance costs to all fleet customers.
“Through years of joint testing, and as leaders in the development of aerodynamics, Michelin and Utility are replacing the standard mud flap and introducing a more durable and sustainable alternative,” said Karen Schwartz, B2B VP of Marketing for Michelin North America, Inc. “Both companies are uniquely positioned to continue leading in aerodynamics and will work together to create lighter and more efficient aerodynamic solutions that address customer’s needs for fuel savings and sustainable solutions.”
Designed with fuel savings and safety in mind, the new progressive louvered design helps reduce vehicle drag, optimizes louver spacing for high air pass-through, and features a low-flex, anti-sail design to help keep mud flaps straight and flat while in motion. They are also designed to deflect road spray and debris downward, as well as enable better side-view visibility for drivers and improved visibility and safety for drivers of surrounding vehicles.
“Michelin’s Energy Guard Mud Flap coupled with Utility’s Side Skirt and optional Trailer Tail is designed to help meet Utility’s goal of making our refrigerated trailer the most aerodynamic and efficient refrigerated trailer on the market,” said Steve Bennett, President and Chief Operating Officer of Utility. “For additional fuel savings, Utility now offers a 36-pound aluminum wheel that has an optional aerodynamic wheel cover as a retrofit option that can be provided by your local Utility dealer.”
Built with an advanced impact, temperature and chemical resistant copolymer, the Michelin Energy Guard Mud Flap is made of 60% recycled materials to support both Michelin’s and Utility’s sustainability goals. The flaps are 24 inches wide by 28 inches long and weighs 7 pounds per pair. They also feature patented hole patterns and extensions for correct placement without drilling new holes in standard mud flap hangers. Installation time is typically five to 10 minutes. For more information on the MICHELIN Energy Guard Mud Flap and more aerodynamic options, contact your local Utility dealer or Michelin representative.
Media Availability
Schwartz will host a press conference at TMC 2023 on Feb. 26, 2023, at 5-5:30 p.m. in room S330B at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, and will be available for media interviews directly following. Media is also invited to visit Michelin in booth 2133 from 6:45 p.m. on Feb. 27 until 12:30 p.m. March 1 during normal show hours.
About Michelin North America
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its customers’ mobility, and sustainably; designing and distributing the most innovative tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)
About Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company
Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company is America's oldest privately owned, family-operated trailer manufacturer. Founded in 1914, the company designs and manufactures dry freight vans, flatbeds, refrigerated vans, Tautliner® curtain sided trailers, and aerodynamic technologies. Utility currently operates six trailer manufacturing facilities across North America. Utility’s 3000R® and the 3000R® multi-temp refrigerated trailers are manufactured at the Atkins, Virginia, Clearfield, Utah and Piedras Negras, Mexico plants. The 4000D-X Composite® series dry vans are manufactured at the Glade Spring, Virginia and Paragould, Arkansas plants. The 4000AE®, 4000S®, and 4000AE® Drop Deck flatbeds as well as the Tautliner® are all manufactured at the Enterprise, Alabama facility. Utility also has an extensive independent dealer network with over 100 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. Visit: www.utilitytrailer.com for more information.
For more information, contact:
David Finleyson
Michelin North America
david.finleyson@michelin.com
www.michelinmedia.com