Michelin has expanded its line of X One wide-base tires to include a drive tire that optimizes traction, an ideal fit for the Canadian market, according to the company.

Don Baldwin, product marketing manager for Michelin, said the release of the latest member of the X One family wasn’t specifically timed to coincide with the new rules in Canada, which pave the way for the more widespread use of single tires. However, he said Canadian customers will appreciate the improved traction as well as the tire’s long life and low rolling resistance.

The X One XDN2 tire is the first to incorporate Michelin’s award-winning Michelin Durable Technologies, specifically Matrix Siping Technology. The technology features corrugated grooves in the tread block which lock the tread block to minimize horizontal and vertical stresses, Baldwin explained at the Great American Trucking Show. By doing so, the tire reduces wear and also generates less heat, resulting in better fuel mileage.

Like other X One tires, the X One XDN2 also includes Michelin’s InfiniCoil, a steel cord more than a quarter-mile in length, that’s wrapped around the tire to stabilize the contact patch. The InfiniCoil gives the crown of the tire increased stiffness, reducing premature and inconsistent wear and providing better handling, said Baldwin.

“This tire takes the traditional compromise between traction, long life and fuel efficiency, and throws it out the window,” said Marc Laferriere, vice-president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “By utilizing two different Michelin Durable Technologies, the X One XDN2 tire delivers significantly increased tire life and exceptional, uncompromised traction, complementing the significant fuel efficiency gains of a Michelin X One wide single tire.”

An open shoulder tread design is ideal for carving through water, slush and snow, Baldwin noted, making it ideal for Canadian conditions.

The X One XDN2 wide-base single drive tire will be available in November in a 445/50R22.5 size (equivalent to a 275/80R22.5 size), with a 455/55R22.5 size (equivalent to an 11R22.5 size) becoming available in December, the company said. It will ultimately replace the X One XDAHT Plus tire.