Iveco has standardised on 315/70 R 22.5 tyres for new Euro 6 tractor units in the UK after witnessing the fuel-saving potential of 70-series rubber, compared with the 295/80 R 22.5 fitments previously favoured in the UK.
Trials with Michelin and “a major Iveco national fleet customer” recorded a 3.87% average improvement in fuel economy between two identical Stralis AT440S46TX/P vehicles shod with the two tyre sizes.
Martin Flach, product director of Iveco UK, explains that the trial compared Michelin’s current generation of fuel-saving tyres over the same 299km route for two days, with both vehicles operating at 44 tonnes with tri-axle curtainside trailers.
“Our decision to standardise on 70-series tyres at Euro 6 was largely due to this test result, combined with similar testing we undertook at Millbrook,” states Flach.
“Our Euro 6 Stralis range has been fine-tuned to maximise efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership for operators, right down to the tyres we fit in the factory,” he adds.
“Even operators who have long-favoured 295/80 R 22.5 tyres are now considering a change in their tyre buying habits to reduce running costs,” comments Guy Heywood, commercial director of Michelin’s truck division in the UK.
“Iveco’s decision to standardise on 315/70 R 22.5 tyres simply reflects its commitment to offering the most fuel-efficient vehicles to customers.”
Michelin’s 315/70 R 22.5 X Line Energy tyres combine the rubber giant’s lowest rolling resistance truck tyres to-date with what it=describes as an “exceptionally long” tyre life.
Under EU tyre labelling, the 315/70 X Line Energy Z (multi-position) is rated ‘B’ for rolling resistance and wet grip, while the 315/70 X Line Energy D (drive) is rated ‘B’ for rolling resistance and ‘C’ for wet grip.