All-new Agilis 3 boasts longevity, other benefits
LAST WEDNESDAY, Michelin unveiled its all-new Agilis 3 tire, designed specifically for light commercial vehicles including light trucks, vans, and pickups. During the online launch event, company executives explained how the need for “sustainable mobility” has been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic — with logistics being a crucial cog of daily life.
Michelin thus sees the newest iteration of the Agilis line as a decisive answer to the even more important role of mobility during this time, and is another expression of how the brand is working to make tires last as long as possible while assuring safety and performance throughout their life cycle.
The Agilis 3 is particularly positioned to “play a central role in the new normal,” as it takes its place as Michelin’s primary product in the segment.
Said Shane Chadderton of Michelin East Asia and Oceania B2B Marketing for Urban Mobility, “In line with Michelin’s ‘Performance and Safety Made to Last’ brand promise, the new Michelin Agilis 3 is outfitted with innovative technologies and sophisticated features for long-lasting performance with optimum safety and environmental friendliness. These attributes not only provide a competitive advantage over current competitors in the same market segment, but also reinforces Michelin’s commitment to more sustainable mobility. Essentially, this tire is well-positioned to be a sustainable urban growth engine. The latest breakthrough is further evidence of Michelin Group’s sustainable performance strategy in favor of safer, cleaner, more accessible and more efficient mobility.”
Michelin cites specific innovations and qualities that enable the all-new tire to deliver several benefits. The Agilis 3 features “stone ejectors,” in the tread groove through horizontal bars designed to minimize stone trapping which can damage the tire and impair performance; sidewall shielding is provided by an abrasion-resistant rubber compound that protects without compromising flexibility; and U-shape grooves allow for better water displacement.
Even the tire compound itself is composed of “higher density of silica and carbon black materials,” leading to enhanced wet grip performance while promising fuel savings and increase mileage. Wet grip is also improved via full-depth sipes which ensure the flexibility of the tread blocks. Lastly, the undertread keeps the operating temperature cooler, leading to lower fuel costs.
Three key benefits are highlighted in the Agilis 3: Compared to its competitors, this Michelin exhibits shorter wet-braking distance (5% or up to 1.9 meters shorter when new and up to 11% [up to 3.8 meters] shorter when worn); 25% more mileage compared to the previous-generation Agilis; and 12% improved rolling resistance compared to “average competitors.”
Michelin declares that supply is assured, along with minimal environmental impact and lower shipment costs owing to the fact that 97% of the Agilis 3 supply is sourced within the Asia-Pacific region. The model is also engineered with a reinforced casing to “meet challenges of the region’s usages and road conditions.”
Mr. Chadderton expressed hope that Michelin will be able to make positive changes through this long-lasting tire, which need to be changed when the tread depth is reduced to 1.6mm instead of the usual 3mm in other tires — without adversely impacting safety and performance.
The Agilis 3 is now available at authorized Michelin commercial light truck tire dealers across the nation (visit https://www.michelin.com.ph/auto/dealer-locator). Sizes range from 13 to 17 inches diameter, and cover the entire light one-to-three-ton load segment of Philippines’ commercial light truck tire market. The Agilis 3 is also positioned for use in vans and pickups. For more information, visit https://www.michelin.com.ph. — Kap Maceda Aguila