Michelin Launches X Multi Energy Z2 Truck and Bus Tyre in India

Michelin has announced the launch of the MICHELIN X Multi Energy Z2, a truck and bus tyre made in India, to help fleet operators lower their Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through fuel efficiency and tyre life.

The tyre was developed for Indian operating conditions and tested on Indian highways. It will be available nationwide from 1 November 2026 at all Michelin Tyres & Service stores and about 300 authorised dealers.

Michelin said the tyre delivers up to 6% fuel savings in the 295/80R22.5 (tubeless) size and up to 13% in the 295/90R20 (tubeless) size, compared with leading competition. The company said fuel accounts for about 50% of a fleet’s overall expenditure, and that the savings can improve a fleet’s overall margin by up to 3% while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 8 tons.

Michelin said the fuel tests represented highway usage and were conducted on new tyres on the Namakkal to Dindigul highway from 22 to 28 June 2026. The tests used an Ashok Leyland 16-Wheeler 4825 vehicle and were carried out by Michelin’s Research & Development teams.

The company also said the tyre delivers up to 25% more tyre life than the nearest competition in the same size. This is based on an internal simulation assessment by Michelin R&D and extrapolation of Michelin CES team data captured between 2023 and 2025, and it applies to the 295/80R22.5 size.

Michelin attributed the result to its Carbion blend, which it said creates a stronger and more consistent tread compound.

Michelin said the tyre has 11% better summit strength than leading competition, which it said reduces downtime. The test was done at Michelin’s Chennai factory in July 2026.

For the 295/80R22.5 size, Michelin said the tyre offers better wet and dry handling than leading competition in the same size. It credited its patented InfiniCoil + technology, which it said optimises the contact patch and enhances stability over the tyre’s life.

The company said the footprint area is up to 5% larger, which improves grip and traction. The footprint test was conducted at the Chennai factory in July 2026.

Speaking about the launch, Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “India’s commercial vehicle sector is the backbone of the nation’s economy, and fleet owners are increasingly looking beyond the upfront cost of a tyre to its overall value throughout its life. Developed for Indian highways, the MICHELIN X Multi Energy Z2 addresses these needs by combining fuel efficiency, longer tyre life and enhanced robustness to help reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). With up to 13% fuel savings, 25% higher mileage and 11% better ply strength enabled by our Duracore technology, it is designed to help fleet operators optimise operating costs, improve productivity and strengthen their margins. At Michelin, we are committed to being a performance partner to Indian fleet owners, bringing advanced, locally relevant mobility solutions that help make every kilometre count.”

The tyre is manufactured at Michelin’s Chennai plant, which the company said operates with a zero-carbon footprint and sources nearly 45% of its energy from renewables. Michelin said the tyre is made with up to 30% recyclable materials.

Michelin said the launch is supported by its portfolio of services, including tyre management, monitoring and fleet management solutions.

It added that actual results may vary depending on usage conditions, load, pressure, terrain, vehicle and driving habits.