Michelin X-One ZP Makes Dealing with Flat Tires a Thing of the Past
11 February 1998
Michelin X-One ZP Makes Dealing with Flat Tires a Thing of the Past
NEW YORK, Feb. 11 -- Imagine not having to deal with the
inconvenience and hazard of changing a flat tire ever again.
That's exactly what Michelin's X-One ZP offers. The new tire, the first
zero-pressure tire available in sizes to fit minivans, can travel safely for
50 miles at 55 mph, or up to 200 miles in city-driving conditions, after a
total loss of air pressure. This gives drivers the opportunity to get to a
convenient, safe location for assistance. The X-One ZP was introduced at a
press event in New York City yesterday.
Here's how the X-One ZP works. Reinforcements in the tire's sidewall
provide the vertical stiffness needed to support the weight of the vehicle as
well as the lateral handling a driver must have to maintain control of the
vehicle if a tire suddenly loses air. In addition to the sidewall
reinforcements, a specially designed tire bead helps keep the tire on the
wheel after total air loss.
In most cases, the performance of the tire without air is so good that a
pressure-monitoring system mounted inside the wheel is required to alert the
driver when tire pressure falls below a predetermined level.
Michelin engineers used advanced materials and breakthrough technology to
combine zero-pressure capabilities with the excellent wet traction, all-season
touring performance and high mileage consumers expect from a tire that carries
the Michelin name.
The X-One ZP credits its traction in both wet and snow conditions to
Michelin's "Smart Compound" and computer-aided tread design. Working
together, they provide efficient water evacuation throughout the life of the
tire while at the same time promoting stability for even wear, high mileage
and superb grip in dry conditions. The new tire's traction and extended wear
also benefit from Michelin's proprietary "Stress Equilibrium Casing," which
distributes load throughout the contact patch for long, even wear.
The X-One ZP is backed by a six-year unlimited mileage treadlife warranty
as well as Michelin's exclusive ZP Assurance Plan, which offers free
replacement during the first two years of service, or 50 percent of treadlife,
if the tire is damaged beyond repair during a low-pressure situation.
The Michelin X-One ZP will soon be available in three popular sizes to fit
a variety of minivans and passenger cars. The sizes are, P225/60R16,
P215/65R15 and P215/65R16.
Michelin was also first with a zero-pressure tire for mainstream luxury
and touring cars. The MXV4 ZP offers a touring-quality ride, uses a standard
rim and fits a wide variety of popular vehicles, including the Honda Accord,
Ford Taurus and Cadillac Eldorado.
Michelin, the world leader in tire technology, manufactures and sells
tires for every type of vehicle, from bicycles to the space shuttle.
Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America operates 23 plants
and employs 23,000.
SOURCE Michelin North America
