- Fleet additions are the first Alexander Dennis buses to be fitted from the factory on 265/70 R19.5 MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres.
- The new size allows operators to specify smaller vehicles on Michelin’s high technology urban bus tyres.
East Midlands public transport operator Kinchbus (part of the Wellglade Group) has taken delivery of 18 new Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro200 buses – the first vehicles supplied by the manufacturer fitted with 265/70 R19.5 MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres as original equipment.
The new arrivals fall under the current Effitires contract that sees Michelin’s Connected Solutions division (CXS) handle the supply and management of all tyres across the Wellglade Group’s 400-strong fleet, including Kinchbus, trentbarton, Notts + Derby and TM Travel.
Matt Evans, Engineering Director says: “In the past, most of our ADL Enviro 200 buses would normally have been fitted with a 245/70 R19.5 Michelin regional tyre from the X Multi range. But now we can specify the new X InCity EV Z size which brings a range of benefits to the fleet and ultimately our passengers too.”
The MICHELIN X InCity EV Z is designed for electric vehicles but equally suitable for combustion engine powered buses. The multi position tyres offer excellent safety, longevity and load capacity, while helping operators to reduce their environmental footprint by reducing rolling resistance.
The inclusion of many of Michelin’s most advanced technologies, such as InfiniCoil, Forcion and Regenion helps to ensure exceptional mileage potential. The casing is further enhanced with Powercoil – robust steel cables that aid endurance – and a bead design called Duracoil, which helps to improve stability.
Crucially, the tyres are tailored specifically for urban use meaning they are more durable with increased resistance to sidewall kerb damage and splits in the tread. This robustness helps public transport operators reduce any costly downtime, cut damaged tyre costs and maintain a reliable service for customers.
The new ADL buses will be used by Kinchbus on their skylink route which operates between Derby, Loughborough and Leicester.
Its recent fleet expansion has also seen the delivery of 11 new Yutong GT12 coaches, all of which will be working on the M1 North corridor on new Flixbus contracted services. These vehicles join a further 10 new Yutong GT12 coaches working on a flagship red arrows route which operates between Derby and Nottingham. An additional 22 Yutong E9L and E12 single deck electric vehicles will be arriving later in 2026, all specified on MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres.
Evans concludes: “Our relationship with Michelin goes from strength to strength. It’s a top-quality product and the service we get from the team is very good.”
All the tyres on the Wellglade Group contract are carefully managed through a multi-life policy with Michelin’s skilled technicians regrooving them once the tread depth reaches 3-4mm, helping to extend each casing’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.
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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