MAN chooses Michelin X Energy Line as preferred option on EfficientLine2

AN has chosen Michelin’s 315/70 R 22.5 X Line Energy tyres as preferred choice for its new EfficientLine2 model, after intensive testing revealed the tyres’ fuel-saving credentials perfectly suit the long-haul truck’s drive for efficiency

The 315/70 R 22.5 X Line Energy tyres were being tested directly alongside sets of Michelin’s X MultiWay 3D ‘regional’ tread pattern tyres in 295/80 R 22.5, 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 sizes. The tyres were fitted to a MAN TGX XLX 26.440, pulling a fully-laden tri-axle Don-Bur trailer.

The 315/70 X Line Energy tyres – designed to operate on long-distance journeys at a high average speed – showed around a five per cent advantage in fuel efficiency over the X MultiWay 3D tyres, which themselves blend strong fuel performance with excellent mileage potential for national and regional operations on a variety of road surfaces.

Les Bishop, Product Marketing Manager at MAN Truck and Bus UK, says: “The fuel efficiency achieved by MAN’s EfficientLine2 is a result of a carefully selected combination of components – not least energy-efficient tyres.

“The intensive week-long testing process revealed that the ideal fitment for us was Michelin’s 315/70 X Line Energy tyres; which is now the ideal fitment for new EfficientLine 2 models rolling off the production line.”

He adds: “These fuel trials allow us to gather detailed feedback and results, which then guides us to select the optimum tyre for an individual class of truck. Michelin tyres frequently come out above other premium brands.

“We generally talk about how fitting a Michelin tyre will give you two to three per cent better fuel economy over anything else – and that’s before you get into the specialised X Line Energy fitments for long-distance trunking.”

Michelin’s 315/70-series fitments feature a wider nominal section width and lower profile than traditional 295/80 tyres previously favoured in the UK. They provide a greater contact area with the road surface and promote even wear, with a high degree of tyre stability and a lower centre of gravity for improved vehicle handling. What’s more, with an 8,000kg front axle rating, they are also ideally suited for the additional unladen front axle weights imposed by most Euro VI vehicles.