Michelin Pumps Up Traction With Revamped Winter Tire
Michelin once again used the snow-laden backdrop of Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, to introduce its new winter tire, the X-Ice Xi2.
The tire, which Michelin claims is the overall best in its class in all winter driving conditions, was put to the test by a group of select media in mid-February, when the tiremaker hosted a ride and drive at the famed Mecaglisse race track located nearby.
Drivers compared the tires to other manufacturers’ offerings, using Volvo S40s and S60s clad with Xi2 tires, as well as those of three competitors. Each was tested in handling exercises on both hard- and medium-packed snow, as well as in braking and starting exercises on ice.
Introduced four years ago at Mont-Tremblant, the original X-Ice “set the standard for security and confidence on ice, in snow and slush, and on dry and wet winter roads,” said Normand Latremouille, winter category manager for Michelin North America. "But this new generation is raising the bar even higher."
Added Features
The Xi2 features many new design elements, including tread blocks with a combination of multiple sipes and micro-pumps, plus a silica-based rubber compound called FleX-Ice technology, according to Michelin.
The tire offers a more stable contact patch, with 73% of the tire’s rubber in contact with the road, an improvement from the original X-Ice’s 60%, MNA said. The micro-pumps absorb water on the road surface, allowing the sipes to work on a waterless surface, thereby reducing hydroplaning, the company said.
The FleX-Ice compound is designed to remain firm in warmer temperatures while being flexible enough in cold temperatures to optimize traction. The V-shape directional tread pattern allows for improved water evacuation, while step grooves and lug shoulders offer traction and biting edges in deep snow, according to Michelin.
“The best overall winter performance is accomplished without compromising other performance, including wet and dry traction,” said Ron Margadonna, technical marketing manager for MNA. “All siping and micro-pumps remain through the wear stages, so the Xi2 has the longest wear life; the tire should endure four or more winter seasons.”
The Xi2 also happens to be the latest of Michelin’s Green X tires, which have been developed to lower rolling resistance and reduce fuel consumption compared to previous generations of tires, the company said.
Winter Tire Sales
In North America, winter tire sales have continually increased in the last decade or so, based on data from the RMA. Winter tires made up 1.9% of all tires sold in 2007 in the U.S., compared to 1.6% in 2002. Though that may not seem like much, the actual number of winter tires sold in that time doubled, with overall winter tire sales increasing by 21% over the last five years.
In Canada, winter tires accounted for 32% of all tires sold last year, up from 24% in 2002, MNA said. In fact, a law passed in late 2007 requires Quebec motorists to use winter tires from Nov. 15 to Apr. 15 beginning this year, a factor that will lead to increased sales.
In a consumer survey, 42% of people said they want longer tire life and better mileage out of their winter tires. Better traction on snow and on ice each earned 13% of people’s responses, said Rob Cunningham, winter category manager for Michelin. The Xi2 offers a solution to each of those top demands from a winter tire, he noted.
The T-rated tire will be available this fall in 42 sizes, ranging from 13- to 18-inch wheel diameters. The Xi2 will cover more than 90% of the U.S. winter tire market for cars and minivans. About 15 sizes of the original X-Ice tires will remain available until the supply is depleted.
