ORLANDO, Fla. – Michelin has introduced a new version of its most popular regional truck tire which the company says will boast a dramatically longer tread life. The XZE2 all-position tire was showcased at the Technology and Maintenance Council meetings here in February.

The tire will eventually replace the XZE, which will be phased out over time, Michelin officials told Truck West.

“Michelin continues to raise the bar for truck tire technology through continued innovations that improve tire life and durability,” said Marc Laferriere, vicepresident of marketing, Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “This in turn helps regional fleets and operators reduce their total cost of operation over the long run. The Michelin XZE tire has been the leading tire of choice for regional fleets. With the new XZE2 tire, the best just got better.”

Michelin claims its newest tire will extend tread life by 15% compared to the XZE.

The tire features Michelin’s matrix siping which provides additional traction and protection against irregular wear.

The tread itself is 6% wider than its predecessor which also improves traction and stability as well as handling and maneuverability. And the compound has been improved to provide more chip and cut resistance, officials said. Michelin representatives at the show also said a 5% reduction in rolling resistance has been achieved, which should result in improved fuel mileage.

The XZE2 will be available in March, in sizes: 11R22.5; 275/80R22.5; and 11R24.5, with a 275/80R24.5 becoming available in April.