Addison Lee is to fit Michelin CrossClimate tyres across the majority of its 5,000-strong fleet.
The company is Britain’s largest passenger car fleet to adopt CrossClimate tyres so far, with its decision to take up Michelin’s latest innovation forming part of a one-year contract extension until 2017.
The fitments offer the benefits of a summer tyre for dry or wet braking, total mileage and energy efficiency, while also boasting the traction and braking performance of a winter tyre on cold and snow-covered roads – making it suitable for the UK’s often unpredictable weather.
Rob Daniels (pictured), head of fleet at Addison Lee, said: “Introducing Michelin CrossClimate fitments makes perfect sense for us after the international launch showed fantastic results in testing. Achieving this level of traction and on-road performance in all weather conditions is a key consideration with a passenger and courier fleet like ours. Braking performance is paramount in an inner-city environment for the safety of our drivers and passengers, as much as for pedestrians and other road users.”
The move to fitting Michelin CrossClimate tyres will deliver a performance boost to Addison Lee’s most popular vehicle type – the Ford Galaxy – which has until now operated on summer tyres as standard. The tyres will also be fitted to the Toyota Prius and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Daniels said: “CrossClimate tyres will significantly increase vehicle safety and mobility in adverse conditions, plus they will put us at a huge advantage over other taxi firms in and around London.
“In CrossClimate tyres we have a reliable, durable and safe solution, matched with the longevity we’re accustomed to from Michelin.”
Addison Lee also operates a commercial van fleet, and Daniels says the company will fit CrossClimate tyres to this side of the business as soon as the right tyre size comes to market.
CrossClimate tyres are currently available in 23 dimensions, covering 76% of all car and car-derived van tyres in sizes from 15 to 17 inches, with Michelin to launch additional sizes next year.
Addison Lee’s CrossClimate tyres will be supplied exclusively by Universal Tyre and Autocentres, a family-owned fast-fit business that has looked after Addison Lee’s tyre supply since 2009.
As well as its core minicab business, Addison Lee also provides chauffeur services and van and bike couriers. The company, which has gone from one car in 1975 to more than 5,000 today – carrying 10 million passengers in London alone each year – is now active in 350 cities worldwide, and began fitting Michelin tyres in 2013, after a three-month trial demonstrated the longevity and durability of the brand’s tyres.
George Reid - 19/11/2015 11:51
It is complimentary to vehicle manufactures in fitting all season tyres on their new vehicles. However we have concerns on stoking levels for replacements and most replacements are fitted in pairs per axle. How will this effect the handling of the vehicle if all season tyres at not available and standard tyres are fitted?