Guns for growth in mass market segment
Michelin, the world’s tyre technology leader, launched the Michelin X Guard radial truck tyre that is exclusively designed, engineered and made for India. Targeted at the price-sensitive general goods carriers and medium and long haul transporters, Michelin X Guard is a longer-lasting, more fuel efficient, lighter and more robust tyre. With this new tyre, Michelin is making an entry in the mass market segment of commercial vehicle tyres in India.
Mr. Mohan Kumar, Commercial Director, Michelin India, 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 to win in this exciting market place, 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 view point. 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.
Michelin 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% lighter, yet delivers on robustness and returns better performance on tyre mileage and fuel efficiency. Two of Michelin’s patented technologies have been leveraged for the first time in India to create X Guard. First is the Infinicoil technology, used in high-end Michelin truck tyres and a key to the new tyre’s performance, adapted in the Indian context to fortify the tyre from inside, helping it become a lot more robust but much lighter. The other is the patented Regenion technology which enables the tyre to self-regenerate its tread, meaning new grooves appear as it wears out. This technology helps the X Guard to deliver enhanced grip over the life of the tyre and boost tyre mileage significantly.
Pricing and availability
The Michelin 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.