| Why drivers can feel more secure with Michelin on board |
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Innovation has been the byword for Michelin since the company first invented the radial tyre, with safety the first parameter considered in all aspects of design and manufacture of new products. The environment has also benefited from Michelin technology. Michelin has made considerable advances in reducing the environmental impact of tyre manufacture. However, the greatest impact from tyres occurs during their use. In this area, Michelin’s class-leading, fuel-efficient Energy tyres for cars and trucks have helped drivers make significant fuel savings (as much as 6%) while giving longer life and higher levels of grip. Innovation The sole contact between the vehicle and the road is the tyre and the safety of drivers and passengers relies on their condition. When Michelin designs new products it systematically takes into account the key performance aspects of grip, braking and stability under all conditions. Michelin’s commitment to road safety is based around: • Quality products and services that, in their design and use throughout their life, will be more effective and safer than previous products • Constant innovation for even more safety for the user • Educational campaigns to make as many people as possible aware of the importance of tyres for the safety of drivers and passengers alike Anti-Splash truck tyres In April 2003, Michelin launched the revolutionary ‘Anti-Splash’ tyre, designed with an anti-splash deflector as standard on a new truck tyre (385/55 R 22.5 XFA 2 Energy). This reduces the splash effect produced as trucks throw up water on wet or flooded roads. This causes a hazardous reduction in visibility for motorists passing or overtaking. The difference between splash and spray is that tyre rotation vapourises water creating spray while water evacuation from the road in front of the front wheels creates splash. Spray can be reduced by the trucks bodywork and various spray suppression devices, and by the type of road surface. A patented anti-splash deflector incorporated in the design of the Michelin tyre and which lies between the tread and the tyre sidewall cuts down water projection height by a significant 75%. This gives better visibility and greater safety for drivers passing trucks in the rain and also increases rear-view mirror visibility for truck drivers. PAX System – run flat tyres For those times when punctures occur, the Michelin PAX System is another innovation that contributes to improved safety for motorists. The PAX System enables drivers to maintain control of their vehicle even in the event of sudden pressure loss and delivers acceptable run-flat ability (125miles at 50mph) coupled with superior handling and reduced fuel consumption. It is now being designed into many volume production cars to be launched over the next five years. The engineering behind PAX System provides a tyre that cannot come off the rim even on sudden deflation, leaving the driver with virtually unhindered steering control. The tyre is locked to the special rim mechanically and the more the tyre tries to pull away from the wheel the tighter the rim locks become. Pressure monitoring systems, such as those fitted to the Renault Scenic and Laguna, Audi A8 and the new Rolls Royce Phantom, have been designed as part of the PAX System. So good is the handling of a punctured PAX System tyre that a driver needs to be advised of the low pressure by electronic monitors. For drivers, this system – and the security it brings to them and their passengers – is priceless. Michelin continues to put road safety at the top of the agenda in product research and development and manufacture. From global environmental protection to protecting the family on the roads, Michelin rolls out the red carpet for safety. For further information contact: Stuart McCrudden Associates Tel: 01621 892814 Fax: 01621 892815 E-mail: enquiries@smapr.net Or Ian Hughes, Michelin Press Office Tel: 01782 402020 Fax: 01782 402040 |
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