Michelin rolls out new tyres
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by Oliver Dixon II Michelin is targeting the van market with its new Agilis range of tyres. Five new products ranging in size from 165/70 R13 to 225/75 R16C are to be launched, replacing the MX, MXL, MXT, XC4S and XCA brands. Prices should remain about the same while tyre life, comfort and wet-wether handling are improved.
"We now have a range of tyres suitable for every size of van, under every level of load and suitable for all speeds," says Michelin's customer technical services manager Tony Cooper. "Over the past few years, van design has improved. They now offer better performance and are capable of far higher speeds. The Agilis range reflects these changes."
The Agilis 41 and 51 tyres are designed for smaller vehicles, ranging from Courier-type car derived vans through to those in the Vito/Transporter bracket. Tread density has been increased by 35% and the shoulder has been redesigned, which is said to reduce road noise and improve the dispersion of surface water.
The Agilis 61, 81 and 101 tyres are aimed at 3.57.5-tonners. Sidewall thickness has been increased by 4nun and now benefits from a thick wear band. Coupled to an increase in cord density of 18%, Cooper claims that the new range will be significantly more durable.
Like the 41 and 51 models, the larger tyres have improved casing, designed to increase tread contact with the road by around 12%, and improved wet surface adhesion through an increase in the number of grooves around the shoulders. Tread depth has been increased by lmm.