Michelin North America is launching a Michelin first — a SmartWay®-verified(1) aerodynamic trailer solution kit, MICHELIN ENERGY GUARD — for use on 53-foot dry-van truck load, refrigerated truck load and other long-haul and super-regional applications. In addition, Michelin Americas Truck Tires is introducing the MICHELIN® X ONE® LINE™ GRIP D drive tire for fleets looking to maximize driver confidence in harsh weather operating in long-haul and super-regional routes. Available in May 2018, the MICHELIN X ONE LINE GRIP D will meet SmartWay requirements for low-rolling resistance tires and replaces the market-leading wide-base single, the MICHELIN® X ONE® XDN2.
With the biggest drag on fuel efficiency occurring at 65 miles per hour, fleets and owner-operators look for aerodynamic solutions that cut fuel costs but do not increase maintenance costs nor require driver attention and costly repairs. MICHELIN ENERGY GUARD is an easy-to-use, fuel-efficient and aerodynamic solution. Consisting of a resilient trailer skirt, trailer-end fairings, aerodynamic mud flaps and a wake reducer, the integrated kit eliminates the need for “boat tails” or combining elements from various vendors.
“Fleets can be frustrated with the current market solutions for fuel savings as they strive to improve their margins and competitiveness,” said Adam Murphy, vice president, B2B marketing, Michelin North America. “Our MICHELIN ENERGY GUARD solution can result in a 7.4 percent fuel savings(2). Best of all, it requires no driver interaction in order to achieve these impressive results.”
