Michelin has reported that demand for truck tyres on the UK replacement market is continuing to show a steady shift to 315/70 R 22.5 fitments away from the 295/80 R 22.5 - the traditional favourite of UK hauliers.

Figures released by the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association show the 295/80 R 22.5 has decreased its share of the UK's replacement market by three percentage points since 2010. 

Meanwhile, over the same timescale, the 315/70 R 22.5 has increased its share by 3.4 percentage points, and the 315/80 R 22.5 by 0.6 percentage points.

Michelin says this trend is strengthening year on year, with the 295/80 decreasing by one percentage point between 2014 and 2015 and the 315/70 growing by 1.7 percentage points – figures closely mirroring its own new tyre sales.

Guy Heywood, commercial director of Michelin Tyre, said: “More and more operators are realising that moving to 315/70 tyres can reduce their running costs and open access to the very latest generations of products, which tend to be developed in this size first due to its popularity across Europe.

“Our own surveys, and trials we've carried out in conjunction with truck manufacturers, have shown the benefits offered by 315/70 tyres – particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and tyre longevity.

"Now operators are experiencing these benefits in their own fleets too, it’s driving one of the most notable changes in tyre buying habits we’ve seen this side of the millennium.”