Ok. Couple of things.
Firstly, this is basically a silica treaded tyre with some added modifications to the carcass to reduce rolling resistence.
Most of the major manufacturers have something similar and, although Michelin claims to have led the way with this technology (silica compounds), I can't confirm that. Dunlop, Bridegstone, Goodyear and Yokohama all had it at about the same time.
Michelin do a good job of promoting this product by pointing out that 20% of fuel consumption goes to keep a tyre rolling. The casual reader might be forgiven for assuming a 20% decrease in fuel consumption whereas what they are actually saying is because this is such a major factor they've concentrated on reducing that % - not eliminating it. I don't know what actual fuel saving % they are claiming but most are around 2-4%. I'm pretty sure there was an ACCC case a while ago against someone with "wild" claims of about 9% (If my memory serves me correctly).
In addition, Michelin is claiming up to 20% extra tread life but it turns out this is over the current tyre's predecessor so you would need to have some figures as to how well (or otherwise) that tyre wore.
So, you have to be a bit careful about how you read these claims by tyre manufacturers (all of them). They're not being dishonest, just using good marketing techniques to promote their products.
Again, check where the size tyre you want is manufactured.
I'll be interested in your feedback once you've driven on them for a little while. It's always good to have realtime information.
