- Michelin’s Connected Solutions (CXS) will oversee the tyre policy on a total fleet of approximately 625 vehicles.
- The new deal sees the two businesses extend a working relationship that spans more than two decades.
- As part of the contract, McGill’s 151 electric buses will be fitted with MICHELIN X InCity EV Z 275/70 R22.5 tyres.
McGill’s Group has committed to a new long-term contract with Michelin, which sees the manufacturer supply and manage the tyres across the operator’s entire fleet of coaches, single and double-deck buses.
The two businesses have been working together for more than 20 years. This latest agreement now includes a portion of the McGill’s fleet that was being fitted with tyres from a rival manufacturer, following the acquisition of First Scotland East in 2022.
Tony Williamson, Group CEO at McGill’s, says: “We have always enjoyed a great working relationship with the team at Michelin and are very pleased to be continuing our strong partnership.
“Our total fleet size has grown significantly in recent years and bringing every bus we have on the road under one new management contract simplifies our processes – making things easier when moving vehicles between different routes and operations.”
McGill’s Group is now the UK’s largest independent bus operator in the UK with a huge network of routes and services across Scotland. It has experienced rapid growth in recent years, strengthening its core bus networks across Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde while building a major presence in the coach market and wider geographical bases across the whole of Scotland. This includes its own tour operator, Loch Lomond Travel, a thriving private hire division, and a fast-growing partnership with international long-haul operator FlixBus.
The new deal sees Michelin’s CXS manage the tyre policy on more than 600 vehicles in total – including 151 electric buses, which will be fitted with MICHELIN X InCity EV Z 275/70 R22.5 tyres. The multi position tyres are designed for electric vehicles, but are just as effective for combustion engine buses, offering excellent safety, longevity and load capacity, while also helping to reduce rolling resistance. The latest generation Michelin X Multi Z & D tyres will be fitted on some of the smaller single-deck buses.
All tyres fitted to McGill’s vehicles will be carefully managed through a multi-life policy with Michelin’s skilled technicians regrooving worn fitments on site once the tread depth reaches 3-4mm, helping to extend each tyre’s life in its most fuel-efficient state. Once the regrooved tyres have worn, they will be retreaded at the Michelin Remix plant in Stoke – a process which saves natural resources, doubles the Michelin casing lifespan and supports UK manufacturing.
Working in line with the Michelin 4R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Renew, all worn casings follow the company’s stringent environmental disposal programme.
“Michelin’s commitment to sustainability was a major factor in the latest contract,” adds Williamson. “Through this detailed management policy, they help us get the absolute maximum from every tyre, which reduces our impact on the environment.”
About Michelin
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.
Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tyres and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.
The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.
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