National Press Release

DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A tire designed for exceptional levels of fuel-efficiency while inspiring a confident driving experience all-year round, the MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire is set to deliver consumers an environmentally friendly performance package that is unprecedented in the industry. The tire will be unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January and consumers will be able to purchase the tire this summer.

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The MICHELIN Energy Saver All-Season tire represents a synthesis of all Michelin's skills and expertise in tire engineering and design. Fuel savings are combined with superior grip and safety, as well as long tread life and all-season performance.

The technology engineered into the MICHELIN Energy Saver All-Season tire is the result of more than 16 years of Michelin's research and development in the area of rolling resistance. With the new Energy Saver All-Season tire, Michelin engineers were able to achieve and deliver increased fuel-efficiency by decreasing the levels of rolling resistance -- or energy loss in the tire. For the consumer, this equates to increased fuel-efficiency, while maintaining other key tire features that are most important to everyday driving.

"During these trying economic times, it is essential that we provide consumers with a product that is long-lasting, good for the environment and a smart investment," said Florent Menegaux, president of Michelin's worldwide passenger car and light truck tire business and a member of the Michelin Group Executive Council. "The Michelin Energy Saver All-Season tire provides the solution that consumers are looking for. It's everything you would expect from a Michelin and more."

The MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire will launch with Michelin's "Green X" symbol on the sidewall, indicating to consumers a level of increased fuel-efficency.

The MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire is one of the first all-season tires in the industry that combines low levels of rolling resistance with exceptional treadlife, wet braking and all-season performance. It will be targeted at consumers with passenger car vehicles who drive less than 10,000 miles per year and appreciate the environmental benefit of the Energy Saver All-Season tire.

Tires can reduce a vehicle's environmental impact by reducing the amount of energy needed to move the tires forward (rolling resistance) and Michelin has reached new heights of performance with the Michelin Energy Saver All-Season tire.

Another energy-efficient product being launched this year -- with Michelin's "Green X" marking -- is the MICHELIN(R) HydroEdge(R) tire, a familiar name to Michelin and its longest lasting passenger tire line in the world.

The HydroEdge tire is Michelin's premier passenger tire offering an outstanding 90,000-mile manufacture's limited warranty, modern aesthetics, and better wet braking than the competition*. The HydroEdge tire is the most fuel-efficient tire in the category thanks to EnergySaver Construction(TM). A silica-based compound and wide center-groove design, along with MaxTouch Construction(TM) create a sure-grip tread, helping HydroEdge tires stop up to 14 feet shorter in wet weather conditions versus the competition.*

Originally introduced in 2003, the MICHELIN(R) HydroEdge(R) large passenger car/mini-van tire line led the market in longest treadlife and wet braking performance. Through constant innovation, the rolling resistance has been decreased and now, the newest generation of the HydroEdge tire is even more fuel-efficient than the previous generation.

Michelin offers consumers a wide variety of fuel efficient tires that save money and help protect the environment. In the case of the MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season and the Michelin HydroEdge, each product will have very low environmental impact either through very low rolling resistance or a very long treadlife.

In the United States, where Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards have been enforced by the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration (NHTSA) since the mid-1970s, Michelin has supported its vehicle manufacturer customers in reaching these CAFE standards by providing low rolling resistance tires that do not compromise other key performances such as traction and wet handling. CAFE standards are focused on improving the fuel economy of passenger vehicles, which in turn lowers CO2 emissions.

The MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire and the MICHELIN(R) HydroEdge tire will join the existing line of fuel-efficient passenger car and light-truck tires designed to equip a wide range of vehicles and driving applications. Each is marked with Michelin's "Green X" symbol. Michelin has displayed the "Green X" label on the sidewalls of its energy efficient tires since 1992. It is a visual way to signal to consumers a tire that reduces fuel consumption, while delivering exceptional mileage and enhanced safety attributes.

*compared to the Goodyear Assurance line

About Michelin

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America ( http://www.michelinman.com ) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations

SOURCE Michelin North America