Michelin tyres undergo Elite test

Manchester-based container haulier Elite Transport Services has taken delivery of 15 Volvo FH 480 6x2 tractor units which will be involved in fuel economy trials over the next six to 12 months.

The 15 vehicles, supplied on contract hire by Maidstone, Kent-based MC Truck & Bus, are Elite's first Euro-3 and digital tachograph-equipped Volvos. Five of them are fitted with Michelin long-distance tyres the rest have medium-distance Energy tyres. Lee Redfern, Elite's transport manager, says: "The new trucks are based in Southampton and will all be doing very similar mileage and the same mix of work.

"We have tested Michelin Energy tyres before on a truck-and-trailer combination with positive results. This more extensive test will establish which tyre is best for the job and gives us the best fuel economy." The trial will decide whether the rest of the 140-strong fleet, predominantly Scanias, will switch to either of the Michelin Energy tyres.

Elite Transport Services has bases in Manchester, Felixstowe, Birmingham and Southampton.