Customer confusion over the correct choice for relevant application behind firm's decision to go for six-segment range based on intended use
October 10, 2012
Michelin is rationalising its heavy-vehicle line-up with revised segments and names under the banner of the “right tyre for the job”.
Saying the new structure will “make it easier to understand”, the tyre maker insists that customer confusion “over which tyre they should be running for which application” has led to the move.
The products are now divided into six segments:
- X Line, for motorway and major road long-haul use
- X Multi, for both short- and long-haul use on all types of roads
- X Coach, specifically for buses on short or long-haul routes on all road types
- X Works, on roads in and around worksites and in quarries
- X InCity for urban and suburban use
- X Force for civilian and military vehicles driven on rough or unpaved surfaces.
“Within the same range, some products may be optimised to address specific customer needs,” the company says.
“The product name is complimented with an ‘option’ to express the specific benefit.”
The tyres will be labelled with segment, or ‘range’ name, option name, axle position and ‘evolution number’ that identifies the tyre generation.
