ORLANDO, Fla. — Michelin North America Inc. is upgrading its X Line Energy truck tire line with the launch of the X Line Energy Z+ steer-axle tire, which the company claims delivers the lowest rolling resistance of any steer tire in the product line.
The X Line Energy Z+ is being added to the firm's truck tire portfolio alongside the X Line Energy Z, targeted at long-haul fleets that value optimal fuel efficiency as a key element of their cost of ownership considerations, according to Karen Schwartz, B2B vice president of marketing.
The Energy Z+ will be available in one size only, 295/75R22.5 LRH, when it becomes available in the third quarter.
Michelin did not comment on how much of a rolling resistance advantage the new product exhibits versus the Energy Z, nor on how it achieved the rolling resistance reduction.
Pricing information was not disclosed.
The new tire uses both Infinicoil and Regenion sculpture technology, Michelin said.
Infinicoil refers to the use of a continuous steel wire, up to ¼ mile in length, wrapped around the tire's circumference to make it more stable and durable throughout its service life.
Regenion uses metal 3D printing techniques for molds that enable the tread design to evolve over time as it wears, giving drivers the grip they need over the service life of the tire in all conditions.
The Energy Z+ features an original tread depth of 18/32nds inch, Schwartz said, but the evolving tread design allows additional tread grooves to develop at lower tread depths, providing increased tread life, less irregular wear and new-tire-like traction throughout the tread life.
