GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America Inc. is upgrading its portfolio of tires for regional/super-regional and long-haul applications with a pair of fuel-efficient tires under its range of Energy-branded truck tires.
Both new tires — Michelin X Multi Energy Z2 directional steer tire and Michelin X Line Energy T2 dual trailer tire — will be available for ordering in both the U.S. and Canada on April 1.
The Multi Energy Z2 replaces the X Multi Energy Z and the X Line Energy T2 replaces the X Line Energy T. The majority of these tires are produced in North America, Michelin said.
"Michelin is constantly innovating to provide fleets with fuel-efficient tire solutions for both long-haul and regional applications," Adam Murphy, vice president of B2B marketing, Michelin North America, said.
"We strive to balance driver safety and satisfaction while decreasing operating costs," he added, claiming the new products deliver improved treadwear, mileage performance and traction over models they're replacing.
The Multi Energy Z2 is designed for less-than-truckload and multiple-stop delivery fleets that run 300 to 500 miles per day, Michelin said, noting this includes dry vans, food and beverage and pickup-and-delivery fleets that require a long-lasting tire that performs well in medium scrub environments as well as on the highway.
It is SmartWay-compliant and certified as meeting Green House Gas 2 standards into 2027.
Michelin said the Z2's performance is achieved through a tread sculpture and dual compound tread that reduces rolling resistance, improves mileage performance and enhances water evacuation and offers better wet braking when worn than leading competitors. It is available in sizes 11R22.5 LRG and 295/75R22.5 LRH.
Michelin describes the X Line Energy T2 as its most fuel-efficient dual trailer tire to date for the long-haul and truckload market, meeting SmartWay requirements. The new tire is targeted at fleets and owners who operate in the dry van truckload and less-than-truckload, refrigerated, tanker and flatbed fleet segments.
In addition to reduced rolling resistance, the Energy T2 is designed for improved wear, fuel savings, retreadability and "exceptional" traction, in part due to a tread that incorporates micro-sipes on all rib edges and a broad, optimized contact patch.
"Trailer tires generally suffer from irregular wear and are often subject to poor air pressure maintenance," Mr. Murphy said. "This forgotten tire/wheel position is susceptible to variable loads. The new X Line Energy T2 has been designed to address these concerns."
The tire's dual-compound tread consists of a mileage top layer that controls tread stiffness and stress to reduce irregular wear and a fuel-efficient bottom layer that minimizes internal casing temperatures for low rolling resistance, Michelin said. Curb guards and upper sidewall ribs help fight sidewall damage in an effort to improve retreadability.
The X Line Energy T2 is available in four sizes: 295/75R22.5 LRG 11R22.5 LRG, 285/75R24.5 LRG and 11R24.5LRH.
Michelin said pricing depends on fleet accounts/programs.