Michelin has recently showcased its latest innovation in the Asian market with the new Michelin X Coach Energy Z.
Michelin X Coach Energy Z is the latest generation of Michelin Truck & Bus tyres especially designed for coach applications. It features Michelin technology that improves safety, comfort and resistance to road hazard damage, and from damage due to the thermal effects of long-haul operations generated when continuously driving for extended periods.
Through this new innovative tyre, Michelin provides coach operators and drivers with peace-of-mind in the areas of safety and control while offering a comfortable and quiet ride for passengers. The tyre is also designed to help coach operators lower operating costs through better fuel efficiency, thanks to its innovative energy casing design, without compromising tyre life and durability.
“When designing Michelin X Coach Energy Z, the main concern for us was how we could address the current needs of the coach operator. This is important because when transporting people, safety cannot be compromised.
“This is natural for Michelin as safety is deeply rooted in Michelin product DNA. Beyond safety, for their peace of mind when traveling, coach passengers must also be able to enjoy their journey, so comfort and quietness are other factors that passengers appreciate. Operators also want a well-rounded solution which will be cost effective.
“Michelin X Coach Energy Z is able to offer all of this with fuel savings, reduced downtime and high tyre mileage. This combined performance from Michelin X Coach Energy Z is evidence of Michelin Total Performance and this ensures that our customers, and their passengers are very satisfied when using and riding on Michelin tyres,” said Beltran Yturriaga, Managing Director, Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Michelin X Coach Energy Z performs with 3 key features that are safety, long lasting usage and fuel efficiency.
Safety: 20%* improvement in resistance to crown impacts compared to the previous model which translated to 20 per cent less tyre failure and related down time or even at the extreme accidents due to mishaps from crown area impact and failure. Michelin X Coach Energy Z provides coach operators and their customers greater peace of mind and safe and timely arrival and departures.
Long lasting usage: 20%* increase in casing durability due to reinforcement in bead and crown areas resulting to higher ratio of retreadability of Michelin X Coach Energy Z casings and better casing value for operators, helping them to reduce costs and have a more environmentally friendly business operation.
Fuel efficiency: New casing and tread design which lowers rolling resistance to improve fuel efficiency by up by 10%* compared to a standard radial tyre. Reducing rolling resistance is another key performance characteristic of Michelin tyres which allows users to save fuel and reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles and operations.
(NB: * = Internal Michelin test result vs. 295/80R22.5 Michelin XZA2+ Energy)
“Imagine a coach fitted with Michelin X Coach Energy Z travelling 150,000 km per year and compared with one fitted with standard radial tyres, the coach’s operator would save 15,000 km worth of fuel per year. This is significant in the overall running cost of the coach,” Yturriaga added.
Michelin X Coach Energy Z all position tubeless tyres will be available in 295/80R22.5 size from May 2014.
According to Yturriaga, coach tyres currently represent 9% of total tyres in the Radial Truck and Bus tyre segment in Malaysia and Michelin was looking to grow its equity significantly in the coach segment especially with the safety and durability of the Michelin X Coach Energy Z tyres.
