Stoke-on-Trent, November 22, 2016
Co-op Funeralcare has reported record high mileage on a Michelin Agilis tyre fitted to one of its Volkswagen Transporter Highline T5 vans, which clocked up 103,000 miles in service before replacement.
The funeral director selected a set of the long-lasting fitments for the Glasgow-based van two years ago, replacing the vehicle’s original set of competing premium tyres, which were removed after 36,000 miles.
The Agilis tyres’ tread has only now sufficiently worn enough to require replacing. The van spends its time on long-distance, high-mileage repatriation duties for the company.
Terry Jarvis, Head of Transport at Co-op Funeralcare, says: “When you operate a funeral director’s vehicle, you can’t afford to let a client down on an already difficult day due to tyre-related issues. The longevity demonstrated by this Agilis tyre is further proof that operating a Michelin policy across our fleet is the ideal option. In fact, we’ve seen a drop in the number of fitments we buy because Michelin’s tyres simply last longer.
“When you factor in the lower whole-life cost of the tyres, Michelin fitments are head and shoulders above the rest.”
Co-op Funeralcare fits 100 per cent Michelin tyres across a fleet of almost 1,500 vehicles, including 300 hearses, 469 limousines, 292 private ambulances, 200 estate cars, 200 general purpose cars and 35 trucks.
“Prior to specifying Michelin tyres, tread wear was an issue – particularly because most of our vehicles have long wheelbases, and our hearses can weigh up to two and a half tonnes. They also tend to turn frequently in tight spaces, which used to cause quite a lot of damage from kerbing,” Jarvis adds. “We switched to a Michelin policy a few years ago to combat this problem, and have never looked back.”
Co-op Funeralcare is also looking to transition its fleet to Michelin Cross Climate tyres – the manufacturer’s multi-award-winning summer tyre with winter capabilities – to ensure the company’s vehicles can stay on the road year-round, whatever the weather.
Jarvis adds: “We’ve heard great things about this new tyre and its ability to keep going in all weathers, and we’ll be moving over the entire fleet to the fitment.”
Michelin Agilis tyres are designed to be both long-lasting and economical. A strong sidewall featuring eight kerbing protectors and a rubber compound derived from truck tyre technology enhances the tyres’ abrasion resistance and durability.
Co-op Funeralcare is part of the Co-op Group, which was established in 1844 and is the UK’s largest mutual business, owned by more than eight million members. The group is comprised of Funeralcare, Food, Insurance, Legal and Electrical businesses.
Ends
Michelin , the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing, distributing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle. It also offers innovative business support services, digital mobility services and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 112,300 employees and operates 68 production plants in 17 countries. The Group also has a Technology Centre, responsible for research and development, with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. ( www.michelin.com )
For further press information please contact:
David Johnson, Michelin Press Office
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: d.johnson@michelin.com
Andy Hemphill or Beth Laws, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street,
Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: +44 (0)20 8647 4467 Fax: +44 (0)20 8544 4711 E-mail: andy.hemphill@garnettkeeler.com or beth.laws@garnettkeeler.com
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