Kinchbus has become the first operator to receive Alexander Dennis buses fitted from the factory with Michelin's urban bus tyres in the new 265/70 R19.5 size, as the East Midlands transport company expands its fleet with 18 new ADL Enviro200 vehicles.
The delivery marks a significant development for operators of smaller urban buses, as the new tyre size allows them to specify Michelin's high-technology MICHELIN X InCity EV Z on more compact vehicles for the first time.
The buses fall under an Effitires contract with Michelin's Connected Solutions division, which manages tyre supply across the entire 400-vehicle fleet of parent company Wellglade Group – covering Kinchbus, trentbarton, Notts + Derby and TM Travel operations.
Matt Evans, Engineering Director at Wellglade Group, explained the significance of the development: "In the past, most of our ADL Enviro 200 buses would normally have been fitted with a 245/70 R19.5 Michelin regional tyre from the X Multi range. But now we can specify the new X InCity EV Z size which brings a range of benefits to the fleet and ultimately our passengers too."
The MICHELIN X InCity EV Z, whilst designed primarily for electric vehicles, is equally suitable for combustion engine powered buses. The multi-position tyres deliver excellent safety, longevity and load capacity, whilst helping operators reduce their environmental footprint through reduced rolling resistance.
Michelin has incorporated several of its most advanced technologies into the tyre, including InfiniCoil, Forcion and Regenion compounds to ensure exceptional mileage potential. The casing features Powercoil – robust steel cables that enhance endurance – and Duracoil bead design for improved stability.
Critically for urban operations, the tyres are specifically engineered for city use, offering increased resistance to sidewall kerb damage and tread splits. This durability helps operators minimise costly downtime, reduce damaged tyre expenses and maintain reliable service for passengers.
The new ADL buses will operate on Kinchbus's Skylink route connecting Derby, Loughborough and Leicester.
The company's expansion programme has also seen delivery of 11 new Yutong GT12 coaches for M1 North corridor services operated under Flixbus contracts. These join a further 10 Yutong GT12 coaches working the flagship Red Arrows route between Derby and Nottingham. An additional 22 Yutong E9L and E12 single-deck electric vehicles are scheduled for delivery later in 2026, all specified with MICHELIN X InCity EV Z tyres.
All tyres under the Wellglade Group contract are managed through a multi-life policy, with Michelin technicians regrooving them when tread depth reaches 3-4mm to extend each casing's life in its most fuel-efficient state. Once the regrooved tyres are worn, they are retreaded at Michelin's Remix plant in Stoke-on-Trent – a process that conserves natural resources, doubles casing lifespan and supports UK manufacturing.
Evans concluded: "Our relationship with Michelin goes from strength to strength. It's a top-quality product and the service we get from the team is very good."
The introduction of the 265/70 R19.5 size represents an important development for the bus industry, giving operators of smaller urban vehicles access to technology previously only available on larger formats.
Tagged with: Michelin X InCity EV Z, 265/70 R19.5, Kinchbus, Alexander Dennis Enviro200, urban bus tyres, Effitires, regroove and retread, Remix Stoke-on-Trent, fleet tyre management, East Midlands buses
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