Michelin unveils the Energy Saver + at the Reifen Essen Exhibition

All tyre specialists are waiting for the successor of the Michelin Energy Saver, one of the brand’s flagship tyres. So far, very little information has filtered. The veil was finally lifted at Essen, Germany when the international tyre fair opened its doors on 5^th June.

Designed to equip the main vehicle segments, Michelin has provided some information about this new tyre’s performance ratings.

The official presentation will take place soon in Sweden.

The presentation date for the Energy Saver + has not been chosen at random.  Since 1^st June, tyre manufacturers are authorised to provide information on their tyre’s performance in accordance with criteria set out by European Regulations within the scope of mandatory tyre labelling. Remember, this measure will provide consumers with consistent information concerning the three tyre performance attributes: Energy efficiency, wet braking and rolling noise.

Performance

Given the Energy Saver’s main strengths are energy efficiency and safety, Michelin wants to prove that with the Energy Saver + it can push its products limits even further. Anticipating tyre labelling, which comes into force in November 2012, the tyre manufacturer used the Essen exhibition to present the ratings its new tyre will display in sales outlets this autumn:

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• Energy efficiency (contribution to fuel consumption) : B to C depending on tyre dimensions;
• Wet road safety: A;
• External rolling noise: 68 to 70 db depending on tyre dimensions, level 2 (in line with the future limit).

Technology

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• An improved tread design: The footprint (contact area with the ground) has been increased by 10% compared with the Energy Saver to provide more grip.
• A new rubber compound:  The Eco-Grip Compound provides better molecular interaction (therefore reduced heating), which results in fuel savings and a longer service life (28 000 miles on average)
• A rubber under-layer: This innovation lowers the rolling resistance and therefore reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Michelin reports that 60 litres of fuel are saved over the tyre’s service life compared with the Energy Saver.

Dimensions

The full range of tyre dimensions is not known yet. The Michelin Energy Saver + will be available for 14” to 16” rims with sidewalls ranging from 50 to 70 and T, H and V speed ratings.