Michelin launches radial tubeless truck tyre

Extending its Made-in-India range, Michelin Tyres has launched two new X Multi tubeless radial tyres for commercial vehicles in India. The new X Multi range is targeted at the aftermarket segment and has a starting price of Rs 20,000. The new tyres, manufactured at the company’s Chennai plant, are specially designed for Indian road and climate conditions.

Michelin claims the new tyres offer a 30 per cent increase in tyre mileage and up to 4 percent fuel saving and increase in operating economics for fleet owners. Radialisation in the Indian medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) sector is growing at around 30 per cent per annum and the market is also shifting from bias to radial tyres.

Tubeless tyres, which are lighter, can carry the same load and also offer more safety than bias-ply tyres. Intercity coach makers like Volvo, Scania and Daimler are moving towards tubeless radials due to safety and mileage. Similarly, trucks operating on highways and carrying fixed load are also taking to tubeless tyres in a big way.

Michelin supplies to Scania, Volvo, BharatBenz and MAN trucks in India. Speaking about the new X Multi tyres, Mohan Kumar, commercial director, Passenger Car and Light Truck and Truck, Michelin India, said, “We tried to transform the predominantly bias tyres market to radial in India.

Now with the new tyres, we are trying to bring tubeless radial tyres in this market. We see positive trends from customers for evolving technologies.” He added that customers in India are shifting towards tubeless radial tyres and the new tyres offer better rolling resistance and lower cost per kilometer through increased mileage.

The tyres have a new tread rubber compound that slows the tread rubber wear rate, thereby offering higher tyre longevity. A wider casing design also helps provide improved road grip and a safer driving experience.