Global tyre major Michelin has launched its all-new X Guard radial truck tyre which, it says, has been designed, engineered and made for the Indian market. With this new tyre, Michelin makes an entry into the mass market commercial vehicle tyre segment in India.

Targeted at the price-sensitive general goods carriers and medium and long-haul transporters, Michelin X Guard, according to the company, is a longer-lasting, more fuel efficient, lighter and more robust tyre.

Speaking at the product launch, Mohan Kumar, commercial director, Michelin Indiam said: “The new Michelin X Guard is a demonstration of the commitment of the Michelin Group to bring the most advanced tyre technologies to India. The Indian market is rapidly evolving and it was important for us to adapt to the customer’s changing needs. Michelin X Guard, built exclusively for the Indian market, is a paradigm shift from the Indian consumer’s viewpoint. This product is a true reflection of the ‘more for less for more' philosophy that combines the best of Michelin proprietary technologies to deliver a high quality product, but at an attractive market price. We expect this product to attract more customers to our brand.”

Michelin is initially deploying limited quantities of this new product in eight states over the coming year, before expanding it to the entire country.

Advanced features

Michelin says the X-Guard comes with unique technologically advanced features which provide benefits including improved performance, fuel efficiency and safety. Latest material solutions and 3D printing technologies have enabled Michelin to produce a tyre that is 18 percent lighter, yet delivers on robustness and returns better performance on tyre mileage and fuel efficiency.

The two Michelin patented technologies that have been leveraged for the first time in India to create X Guard are Infinicoil technology, which is used in high-end Michelin truck tyres and adapted in the Indian market to fortify the tyre from inside, helping it become a robust but much lighter tyre. 

Then there’s Regenion technology which enables the tyre to self-regenerate its tread, which means new grooves appear as it wears out. This technology helps X Guard to deliver enhanced grip over the life of the tyre and boost tyre mileage significantly.

Each X Guard radial truck tyre is priced at Rs 18,500 (including tube, flap and taxes) and is available through the authorised Michelin dealer network in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal.