“Go Wide. Save Green.” Michelin says it is going coast-to-coast to share what thousands of fleets already have learned – environmentally-friendly transportation also makes good business sense. Michelin says its North American tour will feature real-world examples of commercial trucking fleets and owner-operators who have benefited from the improved fuel efficiency, weight savings and time savings that Michelin X One wide single tires deliver. Complete details can be found at www.gowidesavegreen.com.
“With the cost of diesel fuel now averaging almost $5 per gallon, we believe this message will truly resonate with truckers who pay more than $1,000 per fillup and travel 100,000 miles or more each year,” says Marc Laferriere, vice president of marketing for Greenville, S.C.-based Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “Michelin X One tires provide an excellent means to improve a truck’s operating efficiency. Not only does this save the trucking company green on their bottom line, but it also saves the environment green by reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”
The Michelin X One tire is a breakthrough in truck tire technology, replacing conventional dual tires with a specifically designed wide single tire and wheel, according to the company; introduced in December 2000, they have proven success in improving fuel economy between 4 and 10 percent when used in both drive and trailer positions while reducing weight, which enables trucks to carry more payload per vehicle, thereby reducing the number of trucks needed. Michelin says these factors translate into savings for fleets and owner-operators alike.
Michelin X One wide single tires reduce the impact vehicles have on our environment, the company says; with more than 550,000 Michelin X One tires sold in the United States alone, these tires already have saved more than 15 million gallons of fuel and reduced CO2 emissions by more than 165,000 tons. “We have received wonderful testimonials from our customers, coast-to-coast, that all resonate with the same theme — Michelin’s X One tires save fuel and can let you carry more cargo,” Laferriere says. “To spread the good news, Michelin is kicking off the ‘Go Wide. Save Green.’ Tour.”
The Michelin “Go Wide. Save Green. Tour” will make regional stops in eight locations across the United States and Canada. The tour is designed to demonstrate Michelin’s wide-based single tire technology and fuel-saving benefits for fleets and owner-operators that currently are not running the tires on their rigs. Participants also will have the opportunity to see product applications and participate in ride-and-drive activities, courtesy of original equipment manufacturers Daimler Trucks North America and Utility Trailer.
“Manufacturers are building greener vehicles, and by utilizing Michelin X One tires for new vehicles, they can realize the benefits of increased fuel efficiency and weight savings right from their drawing boards,” Laferriere says. “Companies like Freightliner and Utility Trailer are great examples of early adopters of wide single technology, and their customers benefit by it.”
