Michelin has launched a new tyre designed specifically for trailers - the Michelin X One MaxiTrailer - which delivers up to 50 per cent more mileage than a standard 385/65 R 22.5.

The X One MaxiTrailer is the first trailer tyre to incorporate Michelin Durable Technologies - the name given to a series of patented innovations that set new performance standards for customers.  Available to original equipment manufacturers across Europe, the tyre is expected to feature on trailers being delivered in the UK from January 2007.

Helen Tattersall, Head of Marketing for Michelin's Truck and Earthmover divisions, explains: "Michelin Durable Technologies is the foundation on which Michelin is building a new generations of tyres.  This new development in tyre technology is a result of many years' intensive research and development."

When fitted to conventional or mega volume trailers, the Michelin 455/45 R 22.5 X-One MaxiTrailer increases volume by between five and nine cubic meters on vehicles with a fifth wheel height from 950 to 1,200 millimeters.

The tyre benefits from Infinicoil architecture, one of the key innovations of Michelin Durable Technologies, which consists of a 400 metre elastic steel cord wrapped continuously around the crown, delivering unrivaled robustness, greater longevity and very even wear.   Compared to a 385/65 R 22.5 XTE2, the tread band is also 120 millimeters wider and has 35 per cent more rubber in the compound, which serves to increase the mileage potential of each tyre by up to 50 per cent.

"The introduction of Michelin Durable Technologies is the latest in a long line of technological breakthroughs in the tyre industry, and one which we consider to be the most notable since Michelin's introduction of radial tyres for trucks in 1952.  It is expected that within five years, Michelin Durable Technologies will be incorporated in the majority of our truck tyres sold in Western Europe," Helen Tattersall adds.

In terms of rolling resistance, the Michelin X One MaxiTrailer performs on a par with both the Michelin 385/65 R 22.5 XTE 2 and the 445/45 R 19.5 XTA 2 Energy. In addition, it can be re-grooved to further increase mileage potential and will soon be retreadable with Michelin Remix technology, like all Michelin truck tyres.