22 June 2011 - Longer life, improved fuel efficiency as a result of less rolling resistance, and maximum safety. When it comes to tyres, usually things are centered around one aspect, and rare is the donut that touts all three at one go.Michelin has targeted sales of its new Michelin Energy XM2 range.
The new Michelin Energy XM2 range. lasts 20 per cent longer with additional fuel savings, to account for 50 per cent of the Asia Pacific passenger car replacement tyre market by 2015. In Malaysia, the Energy XM2 which replaces the Energy XM1 introduced in 2004 is targeted to continue to build on the brand’s overall double digit market share.
“The Energy XM2 has all the necessary attributes - 20 per cent more mileage, additional fuel savings with no compromise on safety - to compete within the compact and lower-mid size passenger car segment that accounts for 80 per cent of all cars sold in Malaysia.
“We are confident of recording a good double digit market share and strengthen our position to be among the top three preferred brands in Malaysia. Car owners in the mass market segment are demanding greater savings to mitigate the overall increase in the cost of living,” said Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Yves Pouliquen.
According to Pouliquen, Michelin Malaysia had successfully grown its presence in all key tyre segments and Michelin tyres led in the performance and high performance sports tyres. We are mindful of the entry and mid level segments and we aim to successfully switch users of competitive makes to our latest offering.
“Michelin invests 500 million euros (RM2bil) per annum in research and development and the unique technologies used in the Energy XM2 are a result of our pioneering efforts in the alternating bridging technology that enables our product to deliver greater level of longevity, fuel saving and safety,” he added.
The Michelin Energy XM2 offers a fine balance of performance and has evolved from a hybrid compound used in its predecessor, the Energy XM1 to full silica resulting in an 8 per cent reduction in rolling resistance and additional fuel savings of 1.1 per cent.
The Alternating Bridging Technology used in the Energy XM2 reinforces the rigidity of tread blocks resulting in the tread block moving less freely while reducing the rate of tyre wear.
Reduced fuel consumption is achieved as the full silica used in the rubber compound reduces friction between the rubber particles generating less heat. With less heat generated, less energy is lost, not only reducing fuel consumption but increasing the tyre’s flexibility thereby improving road holding.
The Micro Adaptive Compound and Optimum Void Grooves of the Michelin Energy XM2 guarantee user safety by reducing risk of hydroplaning an drivers losing control of their vehicle.
A total of 22 sizes in the Energy XM2 range will be available in Malaysia to fit rim sizes from 14 inches to 16 inches to cater for widths of 175 to 215. The tyres are prizes from RM217 for the 14 inch to RM488 for the 16 inch range.
Source: The Star
