Michelin has introduced the new Energy XM2+ tyres in India for small- and medium-sized passenger vehicles. Replacing the Energy XM2 series, the new XM2+ is targeting commute oriented consumers and promises to offer better safety along with an improved tyre life compared to the outgoing model. The XM2+ tyres are priced at Rs 5090 in India and will be available in 30 sizes by early 2020. The diameters of the tyres will range from 12-16 inches which makes them suitable for all kinds of passenger vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, compact SUVs and MUVs.
This new tyre makes use of full-silica rubber compound. According to Michelin, the XM2+ tyres have a shorter braking distance as compared to its competitors like the Bridgestone B290. These tyres can stop 2.4 metres shorter in wet road conditions when new and when the tyres are worn out, the braking distance is still upto 3.3 metres shorter in the same wet conditions compared to its rivals. These figures are claimed under testing by Applus IDIADA India. Meanwhile, the mileage is 29 per cent better as compared to its competitors, says the French tyre maker.
The new rubber formulation with a strong link of filler-filler molecular bond minimizes the wear rate and its Alternate Bridge Technology ensures lesser shuffling in tread block, resulting in lower wear. There is a ‘+’ sign on the sidewall denoting the upgraded compound while the green-coloured ‘X’ mark is carried over from its predecessor to indicate optimum fuel efficiency.
Mohan Kumar, Vice President, Michelin India, commenting on the new tyre launch, said “Long-lasting performance is at the heart of Michelin’s activity. In India, we are again raising the bar for daily commuting tyres with Michelin Energy XM2+, which improves on its predecessor, the Michelin Energy XM2, a leading mass-market tyre for eight consecutive years. We are committed to bringing tyres to our customers that stay safe and offer high-performance levels to their legal wear limit, and Michelin Energy XM2+ is a true testament of this commitment”
