Michelin has reported that demand for truck tyres on the UK replacement market is continuing to show a steady shift to thicker 315/70 R 22.5 fitments – This is believed to be driven by the growth of Euro VI registrations and operators realising the total cost of ownership benefits offered over traditional low aspect ratio 295/80 R 22.5 tyres.
The premium tyre manufacturer points to figures released by the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association which show the long-time favourite or UK hauliers 295/80 R 22.5 has decreased its share of the UK’s replacement market by 3 points since 2010. Meanwhile, over the same time scale, the 315/70 R 22.5 has increased its share by 3.4 points, and the 315/80 R 22.5 by 0.6 points.
Guy Heywood, Commercial Director of Michelin Tyre plc, says: “More and more operators are realising that moving to 315/70 tyres can reduce their running costs and open access to the very latest generations of products, which tend to be developed in this size first due to its popularity across Europe.
“Our own surveys, and trials we’ve carried out in conjunction with truck manufacturers, have shown the benefits offered by 315/70 tyres – particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and tyre longevity. Now operators are experiencing these benefits in their own fleets too, it’s driving one of the most notable changes in tyre buying habits we’ve seen this side of the millennium.”
Michelin says this trend is strengthening year on year, with the 295/80 decreasing by 1 point between 2014 and 2015 and the 315/70 growing by 1.7 points – figures closely mirroring its own new tyre sales.
For further information on the Michelin commercial vehicle tyre range visit http://trucks.michelin.co.uk/
