Page 8 - CTB n3 - 2013/3,

NEWS
New Tyre Costs Calculator from ATS Euromaster
to its first Euro VI vehicles joining the fleet.
Based in West Thurrock, Essex, Suckling Transport currently specifies 295/80 R 22.5 Michelin tyres as original equipment on its steer and drive axles. However, with the introduction of Euro VI, the company anticipates a larger tyre size will be fitted as standard by manufacturers to cope with the increased weight – expected to be around 200kg per vehicle.
Michelin will monitor the mileage performance of its latest X MultiWay 3D XZE (steer) and XDE (drive) tyres in the company’s current fitment size as well as 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5 to determine which option will provide the best results for its petroleum tanker fleet.
The tyres will be tested on three new 6x2 MAN TGS 440 tractor units, which each underwent a vehicle weighing exercise conducted by a Michelin Technical Manager ahead of the trial, to determine optimum inflation pressures. The tyres were fitted by ATS Euromaster at MAN dealer, PCL, in Grays, Essex.
The data will be particularly important to Suckling Transport to determine the company’s future tyre strategy, as well as providing Michelin with vital performance data to share with other customers.
Dan Bauckham, Suckling Transport’s Director of Engineering, says: “We decided to work with Michelin to trial all three tyre sizes as it’s critical for us to have the optimum size and load rating for the liquids we are transporting.
“When we start taking delivery of Euro VI vehicles we’ll have to choose between 315/70 and 315/80 fitments. This trial will help us decide which, whilst providing an accurate benchmark against our existing 295/80 preference.”
Suckling Transport operates a fleet of 60 tractor units and 64 tankers delivering petroleum products nationwide to customers including Shell and Phillips 66. Its vehicles are double shifted seven days a week, and collectively the fleet covers more than 10 million kilometres every year.
ATS Euromaster is promising to help fleet managers unlock the true potential for tyre savings, using its new Service Value Calculator (SVC). The company has developed the SVC to demonstrate the financial benefits of properly managing and servicing truck, bus and coach tyres, instead of replacing them prematurely. It says its new tool can be programmed with specific information about a customer’s operation, and then measures the financial benefits available through regrooving, retreading, pressure optimisation and general tyre husbandry, such as turning tyres on the rim and twinning.
The SVC takes data regarding fleet size, annual mileage, tyre costs, fuel price and current tyre condition –
identified during a preliminary ATS Euromaster fleet inspection – to generate a bespoke cost savings report for each individual fleet. It then displays this information across a comprehensive 10-page tyre savings report measuring the financial impact of every area of professional tyre management, with a summary listing the total potential annual savings achievable across an entire fleet when the tyres are monitored and serviced by ATS Euromaster. This enables customers to see the direct benefits of each tyre servicing activity, whilst factoring in associated costs, such as regrooving charges.
ATS Euromaster is inviting fleets to put the SVC tool to the test with a free, no obligation, tyre report.
Tattersall Takes on National Fleet Role
Simon Tattersall, previously ATS Euromaster’s Head of National Truck, has been promoted to a new position which will see him lead the company’s portfolio of national fleet business, encompassing its largest car, van and truck customers.
As Head of National Accounts, Tattersall will be responsible for a team of 10 National Account Managers currently managing more than £120 million worth of fleet business annually. ATS Euromaster’s key national accounts range from major leasing, rental and utilities fleets,
to some of the country’s most recognised logistics operators, including Eddie Stobart, TNT and Hoyer Group.
Tattersall, 59, joined ATS Euromaster in 2009 after 28 years with parent company Michelin. Prior to joining ATS Euromaster, he held a dual role as Business Development Manager for Michelin Fleet Solutions and Sales Manager, responsible for Michelin’s original equipment sales to trailer manufacturers in the UK and Nordic markets.
Michelin Begins Tyre
Trial with Suckling Ahead
of Euro VI
Michelin has commenced an extensive 12-month trial comparing the wear rate of three key truck tyre
sizes to determine the best fitment strategy for petroleum haulage contractor Suckling Transport, prior
8 Commercial Tyre Business