Weston-super-Mare-based Bakers Dolphin Coach Travel is to make “significant savings” to its annual tyre bill, after a trial that pitched a full set of Michelin tyres against three competitors.
It tested Michelin’s 315/80 R22.5 X Multiway 3D XZE tyres on a Scania Irizar, against tyres from three competitor brands on identical vehicles. alt=”” class=”figimg” src=”https://www.route-one.net/wp-content/uploads/Bakers.jpg” style=”float:right” />
At more than 50% worn, tread depth readings project the Michelins are on target to deliver more than twice the longevity of the closest performing competitor set, and more than three times the performance of another major brand.
Bakers Dolphin Chief Engineer Mark Vearncombe says: “Naturally, we tend to be sceptical when someone comes to us claiming they can reduce our tyre bill, but given Michelin’s reputation as a major global brand we wanted to see what was possible.”
“So far it has been an eye-opening experience for us. In such a short space of time, the difference we’ve seen has been exceptional. When fitted across our fleet, the Michelin tyres could deliver tangible savings in our running costs and massively reduce the number of tyres we fit, which is better for the environment too.”
Detailed reporting has shown that with Michelin tyres fitted, the company would need to purchase just 107 new steer tyres per year to keep its fleet on the road, versus 252 or 320 for the two competitor brands in the trial – an over payment of 44% and 118% respectively, based on tyre performance.
On the drive axle, Bakers Dolphin would require just 51 new Michelin tyres per year for its fleet, versus 131 of the competitor’s tyres – an overpayment of 30% annually.
“Given the high-mileage nature of our work, tyres are a significant yearly expense. This trial has shown how we can potentially unlock huge savings, and we’ll be reconsidering our tyre policy moving forward.”
The coach company has a mixed fleet of more than 70 vehicles, including Volvo, Scania and Mercedes-Benz.
