The New X-Ice Winter Tires Take the Bite Out of Snowy and Icy Driving Conditions

GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 12, 2004 -- When Old Man Winter blows into town next season, consumers will have the advantages of the new Michelin(R) X- Ice(TM) and Michelin(R) Latitude(TM) X-Ice(TM) winter tires to help them overcome ice- and snow-covered roads. Michelin's newest winter products are designed to improve braking, traction and handling for passenger cars and vans, light trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV) in snowy and icy conditions.

Authorized Michelin dealers in the United States will begin taking deliveries in July of the Michelin X-Ice in 39 sizes for passenger cars and the Michelin Latitude X-Ice in ten additional sizes for light trucks and SUVs.

"Michelin X-Ice and Latitude X-Ice tires are manufactured with our latest generation rubber compound and siping technologies," said Sheryl Henderson, Michelin brand director at Michelin North America, Inc. "By combining an innovative tread design with progressive technological features, X-Ice is the tire that drivers can count on."

Introducing APS technology

Adaptive Progressive Stiffness (APS) is a rubber technology that helps deliver outstanding traction by providing the required flexibility where the tread surface comes into contact with the road. The technology allows the unique rubber compound to progressively soften at the road's surface, while remaining rigid near the tire belt, thus providing intense grip and superior handling on winter roads.

The tread remains soft as the tire continues to wear, allowing for optimal ice and snow traction. The tread compound features Michelin's most advanced silica-generation rubber, further adding to the Michelin X-Ice tire's ice and snow grip. Advanced silica-generation rubber also offers enhanced performance on wet surfaces and long tread life.

The patented tread pattern of the Michelin X-Ice is designed to meet the varied needs of winter drivers across the United States. Tread technology benefits include:

   - Dense pattern of cross directional z-shaped sipes engineered for
     excellent braking and traction while maintaining handling
   - Longitudinal zig zag grooves for exceptional deep-snow traction
   - Square contact patch for extra traction and control on ice and hard-
     packed snow
   - Michelin's new evolution Stress Equilibrium Casing(TM) for extended and
     even wear
   - Directional and V-shape tread pattern for hydroplaning resistance

  X-Ice is the perfect fit

The Michelin X-Ice tire will be available to consumers in August 2004. Sizes will range from 13- to 17-inch rim diameters. Michelin Latitude X-Ice will be available at the same time in sizes ranging from 15- to 16-inch rim diameters.

Michelin 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, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America Inc. ( www.michelinman.com ) employs 24,290 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.