Michelin Energy Saver Tire Cited by TÜV SÜD Automotive for Its Wet-Braking Safety Performance, Fuel Efficiency

05/06/2008 -- Tests conducted by TÜV SÜD Automotive in April and May 2008 show that the new Michelin Energy Saver combines one of the shortest wet-road braking distances of any tire in the market with the biggest fuel savings.

The braking tests were carried out by the German organization using three different tire sizes1 among those most widely sold in Europe, which it purchased in tire outlets. The comparative tests demonstrate that in challenging road conditions, such as on wet surfaces, the Michelin Energy Saver brakes in shorter or comparable distances2 than six of its main, major-brand competitors (when slowing from 80 km/h to 20 km/h).

In addition to delivering outstanding safety performance, the Michelin Energy Saver is also the most fuel-efficient tire on the market. According to the tests conducted by TÜV SÜD Automotive, the Michelin Energy Saver reduces fuel consumption by 0.2 l/100 km3, thanks to its rolling resistance, which is nearly 20% lower than that of its direct competitors4. This greater fuel efficiency also means savings at the gas pump of around €125 euros over the average lifespan of the tire5.

The TÜV SÜD Automotive trials attest to the balanced performance of the new Michelin Energy Saver lineup, which provides superior performance in terms of both safety and fuel consumption. What’s more, an earlier TÜV SÜD Automotive study carried out in 2007 showed that the Michelin Energy Saver tread also outlasts its major brand rivals6, increasing total mileage by an average of 40%. And therein lies the strength of Michelin’s capacity for innovation.

Achieving these results required an unprecedented research and development budget. Michelin allocates nearly €600 million euros a year to its Technology Center.

TÜV SÜD Group is a leading technical service provider active in the strategic business segments INDUSTRY, MOBILITY and PEOPLE. Its range of services embraces consultancy, inspections, tests and expert opinions as well as certification and training. Our objectives are reliability, safety and quality as well as environmental protection and cost effectiveness. Established 140 years ago as a steam boiler inspection association, TÜV SÜD Group is a globally active, future-oriented company. It continues to enjoy success in its conventional services such as periodic vehicle roadworthiness testing ("TÜV sticker"), testing and inspection of industrial plants, product testing or expert opinions. Headquartered in Munich, Peabody and Singapore, TÜV SÜD Group has 13,000-plus staff in 600-plus locations. Its 2006 sales were amounting to 1,168 million euros.

MICHELIN is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, trucks and the US space shuttle. It also offers electronic mobility support services, on ViaMichelin.com, and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 121,000 employees and operates 69 production plants in 19 different countries.

1 195/65 R15 H, 195/65 R15 V and 205/55 R16 V.
2 See detailed results in the appendix to this press release.
3 Official conversion equation used: vehicle weight (t) x difference in rolling resistance coefficient (kg/t) x 0.9 x 0.075 (for a gasoline-powered vehicle) or x 0.06 (for a diesel-powered vehicle).
4 Test conducted on store-bought 195/65 R15 H, 195/65 R15 V and 205/55 R16 V tires produced by six major-brand manufacturers.
5 Based on an average tire life of 45,000 km with fuel costing €1.40 euros per liter.
6 Test conducted on store-bought 175/65 R14 T, 195/65 R15 H and 205/55 R16 V tires produced by six major-brand manufacturers.

Source: MICHELIN

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