Michelin gains traction with 'once-in-a-lifetime' X Line Grip D tire

With the launch of Michelin's new over-the-road tire, the XLine Grip D, the company believes it has made a "once-in-a-lifetime leap in tire technology for fleets."

3PMSF rated, this tire is built for traction, providing improved performance in wet and snowy conditions and a durable casing that the company says can reach up to 1 million miles with up to four retreads.

"This tire has the potential to redefine the drive tire standard in fleets for years to come," said Pierluigi Cumo, VP of B2B marketing at Michelin North America. "It is not an evolution to existing products, but something entirely different the fleet world has not seen before.”

He added the tire "brings new levels of performance to the road and new levels of savings for our customers.”

1. Long Wear and Casing Life Infini-Coil Technology – 1/8 mile steel cable wound circumferentially around the belt package to provide casing protection, consistent footprint and long, even wear. 2. Long Casing Life Powercoil – Casing ply made with high tensile steel cables infused with rubber to resist damage due to oxidation and friction for excellent casing durability and maximum retreading. 3. Traction and Mileage Advanced Tread Design – Compact tread design utilizing angled grooves designed to improve wear life as well as provide lasting traction in snowy and wet conditions. — 1. Long Wear and Casing Life Infini-Coil Technology – 1/8 mile steel cable wound circumferentially around the belt package to provide casing protection, consistent footprint and long, even wear.

2. Long Casing Life Powercoil – Casing ply made with high tensile steel cables infused with rubber to resist damage due to oxidation and friction for excellent casing durability and maximum retreading.

3. Traction and Mileage Advanced Tread Design – Compact tread design utilizing angled grooves designed to improve wear life as well as provide lasting traction in snowy and wet conditions.

The tire replaces the XDN2, a mainstay in Michelin's commercial portfolio since 2003. The X Line Grip, which has been in development for eight years, improves on mileage by 20% over its predecessor.

The X Line does this with the same amount of rubber volume as the XDN2. The key was adding angled grooves for a more efficient tire sculpture, one of the designers told Adam Savage (of Mythbusters fame) during a video detailing the X Line's development.

The unique chevron tread design also provides more than 90% better snow starting traction and more than 25% better wet starting traction than the XDN2.

The tire is also SmartWay verified and built using Michelin DURACORE casing and INFINICOIL and POWERCOIL technologies, and will be available in sizes 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5.