Michelin tops fuel efficiency charts after Volvo tyre trial

Michelin said its tyres have set new fuel efficiency records in the UK after its X Line Energy range was fitted to two Volvo trucks.

The next generation 4x2 Volvo FM 420, operating with a tri-axle trailer at 40-tonnes, averaged 10.31mpg around Commercial Motor’s 760km road test route earlier this month.

This followed less than a year after a 6x2 Volvo FH 460 with I-Save set a new record of 9.49mpg at 44-tonnes.

Michelin said the FM used 355/50 R22.5 X Line Energy Z (steer) and 295/60 R22.5 X Line Energy D (drive) tyres, whilst the FH with I-Save was equipped with 385/55 R22.5 X Line Energy F (steer and mid axle) and 315/70 R22.5 X Line Energy D (drive) tyres.

Martin Tomlinson, Volvo Trucks head of media said: “In the minds of most customers, fuel is everything.

“We’ve pioneered world-leading technologies and fuel saving strategies that can make a huge difference to a fleet’s bottom line, but you also need the right tyres to help squeeze the most out of every drop.

Chris Smith, Michelin UK MD, said: “Manufacturers such as Volvo Trucks hold a wealth of data on vehicle performance in different configurations, so it’s a huge compliment to see our tyres being repeatedly chosen for their demonstration fleet.”