Michelin Introduces New Defender Tire, The Longest-Lasting Tire Among Leading Competitors
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GREENVILLE, S.C., March 8, 2017 -- Today, Michelin introduced the new MICHELIN DEFENDER for passenger vehicles, which features an 80,000-mile warranty. Following the release of the original Defender in 2012, the latest tire has been upgraded with an advanced generation tread compound that makes it the longest-lasting tire among leading competitors' tires1. Additionally, the new MICHELIN DEFENDER speed rating has been increased to H rating to fit more vehicles and appeal to consumers who desire a lasting longevity benefit.
"We know that many consumers make tire-purchasing decisions based on warranty and price, but tire warranties, unfortunately, do not always accurately reflect the actual wear performance of a tire," said Scott Clark, COO, Michelin North America. "Our testing shows that specific tires from several leading competitors with mileage warranties between 80,000 to 90,000 miles will have a difficult time delivering the wear-life proclaimed by their mileage warranty."
The new Michelin Defender delivers a promise of longevity, uncompromising safety performance and comfort to provide consumers peace of mind at point of sale and on the road. Advanced Michelin tire technology helps ensure the highest level of performance throughout the tire's lifespan. The new Michelin Defender complements the Defender LTX M/S introduced in 2015 with these key benefits:
- Longevity: MAXTOUCH™ CONSTRUCTION ensures that tire contact forces are evenly distributed to maximize tire life, while the EVERTREAD™ COMPOUND is designed to provide exceptional durability for improved tread life.
- Safety: INTELLISIPE™ TECHNOLOGY is designed to maximize the tire's biting edges for optimum all-season traction, while rain grooves evacuate water in wet conditions to prevent hydroplaning.
- Comfort: COMFORT CONTROL™ TECHNOLOGY is designed to minimize noise and provide a smoother, quieter ride.
The new Defender will be an H speed-rated product for use in both T and H applications, which will ease confusion for consumers and dealers and increase market coverage for up to 83 percent of passenger vehicles in the marketplace today. Key vehicle fitments for the product line include: Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Focus, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Altima and Toyota Sienna. The new Defender will be available in 12 sizes beginning in March with a total of 32 sizes available by late 2017. The manufacturer's starting suggested retail price (MSRP) is $115.
About Michelin North America
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 and motorcycles. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America www.michelinman.com employs more than 22,750 and operates 20 major manufacturing plants.
For more information, visit www.michelinmedia.com.
1Based on commissioned third-party wear test results in tire size 225/55R17 97H versus Goodyear® Assurance® TripleTred™ All-Season and Continental® TrueContact™ in 225/55R17 97H and Pirelli® P4™ Four Seasons+ in 225/55R17 97T on a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu; and in tire size 205/55R16 91H versus Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus in 205/55R16 91H tire size on a 2015 Honda Civic. Actual on-road results may vary.
