- The public transport operator is in the process of replacing its 105-strong diesel fleet with new Volvo BZL Electric buses – all of which are arriving on MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres
- The two businesses have been working together since 2022, when Warrington’s Own Buses signed an exclusive tyre policy with Michelin’s Services & Solutions division
Warrington’s Own Buses is reaping the benefits of its exclusive Michelin contract as it nears the completion of a total fleet transition from diesel to electric.
The public transport operator is in the process of replacing its older vehicles with 105 new zero-emission Volvo BZL Electric buses – all of which are arriving on MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres. The fleet overhaul will see Warrington’s Own Buses eliminate all tailpipe emissions from its transport operation, while also helping to improve the company’s profitability and long-term sustainability.
David Woods, Finance Director at Warrington’s Own Buses, says: “We currently have 56 of the 105 new electric buses on the road, with the remainder due to be in operation by the end of March. This has been a long and ambitious project that will bring huge benefits to our business and for the people of Warrington.
“Having a partner like Michelin on board, who we know we can rely on, offers great peace of mind. We know the new vehicles are operating on the best tyres possible, that are ultra durable and stand the test of time, ensuring we keep any unnecessary downtime to a minimum.”
The business moved to an exclusive tyre policy with Michelin’s Services & Solutions division in 2022, with the availability of the X InCity EV Z product an important part of that decision.
Designed for electric vehicles but equally suitable for combustion engine buses, the multi position tyres offer excellent safety, longevity and load capacity, while helping operators to reduce their environmental footprint by reducing rolling resistance – key to maximising range.
To handle the additional weight of electric buses, which can be heavier due to their batteries, the fitments have an increased load carrying capacity of up to 8 tonnes*. In addition, 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.
“All of the new buses – whether it’s the single or double deck – will be operating on the Michelin EV tyres. Having one tyre across the entire fleet really makes things easier for us on an operational level,” adds Woods.
“Michelin have been very professional and offered us a good level of service since we moved across from our old provider. It has proved to be a very good decision for our business.”
Under the terms of the existing ‘Superfit’ policy, Michelin supply product directly to the public transport operator, at its new state-of the-art EV depot in Warrington. Michelin then handle fleet-wide inspections and fitting of the tyres to the wheels as part of the contract, ensuring Warrington’s Own Buses get the most from every casing in terms of safety, longevity and durability – maximising uptime and compliance.
Municipally-owned Warrington’s Own Buses traces its roots back to 1902, when the first electric tram commenced operation in the town. Today, the business carries more than six million passengers every year, with its fleet of buses covering approximately 5,000,000 kilometres in service per year on routes across Cheshire.
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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