On June 1, 2025, Michelin will launch the MICHELIN X® Works Z2 & D2 range for the 315/80R22.5 size. This launch will be followed by the 13R22.5 X® Works Z2 & D2 and the 385/65 X® Works HL Z2 sizes in September 2025. Designed for short on- and off-road journeys in regional and urban areas, the MICHELIN X® Works Z2 & D2 range is available for both steer and drive axles. It is marketed throughout Europe. Since construction vehicles spend a large part of their journey on the road, Michelin engineers placed great emphasis on low rolling resistance when developing the tyre. As a result, the MICHELIN X® Works is the first steer axle tyre (dimension 315/80 R 22.5 Z2) for road and construction sites with a B label for fuel efficiency. The new tyre design also reduces CO2 emissions while improving traction and noise levels. Thanks to numerous technologies, the new MICHELIN X® Works tyres are true construction site hero with a focus on fuel efficiency, durability and robustness.
High mobility
The tyre developers have also extended the lifespan by up to 10% on the steering axle and up to 25% on the drive axle compared to its predecessor1. The tyres are retreadable (90% of MICHELIN casings are accepted for REMIX retreading2) and very robust thanks to the sidewall protectors. Another advantage is that the new MICHELIN X® Works Z2/D2 can also be fitted to electric vehicles. The load index is 158/150, which is 500 kilograms higher than the previous model with single tyres on the respective axle. Traction and grip are consistent throughout the tyre’s lifespan3, even under the most demanding conditions. The tyres also feature the snowflake symbol (3PMSF), meaning they are approved for use in winter road conditions.
Pays off multiple times
On the strength of its longevity, robustness and low rolling resistance, the MICHELIN X® Works Z2 & D2 range helps optimise fleets’ running costs while reducing their environmental impact. Fleets operating in the construction and waste-management sectors must overcome challenges such as the high cost of fuel, which represents up to 30% of expenditures, the EU regulation on CO2 emissions, and adapting operations to environmental requirements. Moreover, minimising vehicle downtime is essential for a fleet manager to maintain operational efficiency and guarantee customer satisfaction. Vehicle downtime is a major issue that directly impacts profitability and employee safety.
Special technological features
For over 130 years, Michelin has been channeling its efforts into materials science. It has over 12,000 active patents worldwide, with €1.2 billion allocated to innovation resources in 2024 and powered by a 6,000-strong R&D team. This unique innovation power enables Michelin to meet opposing technical challenges, such as striking a balance between mileage and energy efficiency, or between the environment and safety.
The MICHELIN X® Works Z2 & D2 range incorporates:
• POWERCOIL technology is a new generation of more robust steel cords that enables better resistance to oxidation and improves casing endurance. The steel cords are lighter, which translates to better rolling resistance.
• DURACOIL technology is a reinforced area between the tyre and the wheel provides greater robustness. The high-grade nylon protects the bead wire, providing greater stability while the tyre is rolling. This improves the casing’s mileage potential.
• OPTICOIL technology is a new bead architecture that enables significant weight savings, limits raw materials consumption and reduces CO2 emissions without impacting the tyre’s performances and reliability.
• CARBION technology is a material produced by an innovative compounding process in which certain tread components are mixed while they are in a liquid state, which creates a more homogeneous compound. This material increases the tyre’s mileage potential and improves rolling resistance.
Source: Tyretradenews