LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 29, 2010)—Michelin Americas Truck Tires is claiming a measurable fuel-efficiency advantage over competitors Bridgestone and Goodyear, based on a commissioned third-party test comparing the three companies' latest truck tire offerings.
“In an industry full of fuel-efficiency benefit claims, it's clear that not all fuel-efficient tires are created equal,” said Don Baldwin, product marketing manager for MATT.
“Some in the industry continue to say that wide-single technology—such as Michelin X One tire technology—is designed for a niche market,” Baldwin said, “but we continue to see more fleets in more segments switch to wide singles. We expect this trend to accelerate in the coming days.”
Michelin is basing its claim on a 3,000-mile February test it commissioned, pitting three identical 2009 International Prostar 73-inch tractors equipped with the firms' “self-proclaimed” fuel-efficient tires: Michelin XZA3 steer tires, X One XDA Energy drive tires and X One XTA trailer tires; Bridgestone R287 steer, M720 drive and R195F trailer tires; and Goodyear G395 LHS Fuel Max, G305 LHD Fuel Max and G316 LHT Fuel Max steer, drive and trailer tires.
Michelin claims the test shows the Michelin-equipped truck was 7-percent more fuel efficient than those running on the competitors' tires.