Courtney Buses has switched to an all-Michelin tyre policy on a price-per-vehicle (PPV) contract to increase its fleet efficiency and reduce fuel costs.
The Bracknell, Berkshire-based operator has adopted the EffiTires tyre management package across its 60-strong fleet, each covering an average 40,000 miles a year on urban routes.
Michelin says that the three-year contract is the first PPV it has won in the coach and bus industry. Most operators opt for price-per-kilometre/mile (PPK/PPM) agreements
The firm previously took a non-specific approach to tyre selection and fitting.
Now it has a fleet-wide monthly inspection by Michelin technicians who determine whether a tyre will last to the next inspection or needs replacement. Michelin solutions will fits all new and remix tyres to the fleet.
Malcolm Venn, Engineering Manager at Courtney Buses, says: “I wanted a managed tyre policy because it caused a major headache having to do all the vehicle checks ourselves. The nature of running a busy urban bus fleet means we typically see lots of kerbing damage, plus we’re always working hard to ensure tyre tread depths don’t fall below our minimum standard between one inspection and the next.
“Also, at the end of each month I’ll receive an analysis report from Michelin solutions on tyre wear – including any mechanical problems identified as causing tyre wear. This will help us to make fully-informed management decisions based on the data we’ve collected.”
He adds: “The major benefit of PPV to us is that we know exactly what our tyre costs are going to be per month, per vehicle. That makes our financial planning much easier. Not to mention the fact we’re expecting to see savings on fuel, thanks to the lower rolling resistance of moving to a premium Michelin fitment.”
Signing up to EffiTires provides Courtney Buses with the services of a dedicated team of business support personnel, auditors and technicians to ensure its tyres are serviced to the highest possible standards.
Michelin solutions is part of the Michelin group and was established in May 2013. It currently employs around 900 people globally and is responsible for 400,000 vehicles currently on contract.
Michelin solutions is dedicated to designing, developing and commercialising solutions for fleets of trucks, buses, coaches, cars and vans. Its solutions are aimed at fleets wanting to improve their efficiency, productivity, and environmental footprint, in a global and customised way.
Find out more: http://fleetstreet.michelin-solutions.com/
