MICHELIN has developed three new tyres specifically to meet the needs of the UK fleet market, promising extended tread depth with no adverse impact on grip or fuel efficiency.

The tyres have been developed following extensive consultation with Michelin's fleet panel that assembles representatives from some of the country's largest leasing and fleet management companies.

Peter Philpott, European car fleet manager, said: 'We have redesigned certain aspects of the tyres to give them 8 per cent greater tread life, without damaging fuel efficiency or performance. It will allow fleets to fit fewer tyres during the life of a company car.'

The introduction of the tyres forms part of Michelin's long term initiative to move away from selling on price and to sell on value or wholelife cost. The new tyres will cost no more than the range they replace.

The new tyres are called the Energy XH1, and are available now in sizes 195/60 15, 185/16 14 and 195/65 15.