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Michelin Showcases Energy Saver Tyres

Michelin Showcases Energy Saver Tyres

Michelin is showcasing a major breakthrough in cost and carbon cutting motoring at the British International Motor Show. The tyre manufacturer says a set of its new Energy Saver tyres will save enough fuel over their lifetime to effectively make one of the four free. They will also reduce the amount of carbon emitted by a significant 7 grams per mile.

Michelin is a major sponsor of the Motor Show's Green Driving Pavilion, and is on-site with a large, custom-made demonstration unit that includes two cars. One is fitted with the revolutionary new Energy Saver rubber, and the other with 'non-green' conventional tyres. The stand will dramatically show how a car's tyres make a substantial difference to the amount of energy needed to travel any given distance.

The new Energy Saver reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by reducing the force needed to get the tyre moving. Michelin estimates that in addition to the four-for-three purchase cost saving, around 125kg* less CO2 will be pumped into the atmosphere each year for every car fitted with Energy Savers.

That message should be of particular interest to any company operating a fleet of vehicles, as switching to Michelin could cut costs and contribute significantly to reducing their carbon footprint.

New research from independent test centre TÜV SÜD Automotive has proved that the Michelin Energy Saver achieves these cost and carbon savings without compromising safety as, despite a lower rolling resistance, braking distances are not increased - and in many cases are actually reduced. The tests compared Michelin's Energy Saver with comparable products from Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, and Pirelli and TÜV SÜD has also found that the Michelin option would last up to 40% longer than the alternatives.

After a number of doubts were raised about how the Michelin tyres could maintain high grip levels and durability at the same time as lowering rolling resistance, the test results were welcome proof that such a feat could be achieved, as UK Managing Director Jim Rickard explains: "These test results are great news for us and for any conscientious fleet manager or company director. They prove cost and CO2 reductions, so a business can reduce both its expenditure and carbon footprint in one fell swoop. Furthermore, as this new generation of tyres retains the high standards of performance synonymous with Michelin, this can all be achieved without any compromise on driver safety.

"The Michelin Energy Saver is the result of many millions of pounds worth of intensive research and development and its attributes testify to our commitment to better mobility, driver safety and the environment."