Michelin Tires Approved For Replacement in Firestone Recall

18 August 2000

    GREENVILLE, S.C. - Michelin North America, Inc.'s 10,000-strong dealership 
network throughout the United States has been formally approved by Bridgestone/
Firestone, Inc. to provide Michelin tires to consumers affected by the Firestone 
recall.  Now consumers may purchase Michelin tires from any authorized Michelin 
tire retailer and Bridgestone/Firestone will reimburse up to $100 per tire, 
including mounting and balancing charges and taxes.

    "We understand the consumer need and are doing everything we can to
provide relief to Firestone customers affected by the recall," said Jim
Micali, president and chairman Michelin North America.  "Since the beginning
of the Firestone recall, we have worked closely with Ford to provide tires to
consumers, increased our production by 250 percent to meet the demand and
thoroughly educated our dealer network on how to assist those affected by the
recall."

    Consumers who wish to replace their recalled Firestone tires with Michelin
tires can find out which tire best fits their needs and vehicle by consulting
an authorized dealer, the company's Web site (http://www.michelin.com ) or its
consumer hotline toll-free at (888)-MICHELIN.  Consumers can also use these
resources to find out about the Firestone reimbursement process.

    Michelin is dedicated to helping consumers and since the Firestone recall,
has taken the following specific steps to assist in the situation:

    * Worked with Ford Motor Co. to identify specific Michelin tires that are
      authorized by Ford as replacements for the recalled Firestone tires;
    * Immediately boosted production by 250 percent in tire sizes that could
      replace the Firestone tires.  Michelin plants are working around the
      clock to keep the tires coming;
    * Communicated extensively with its dealer network to alert them to
      acceptable replacements for consumers who wished to have an alternate
      choice;
    * Expanded the hours of its consumer relations team to accommodate
      consumer calls;
    * Posted information on the company's Web site so customers using the
      Internet would have instant access to tire replacement information.  The
      Michelin site also contains easy access to information on the Michelin
      dealer network, a tire selection guide, consumer hotline and a wealth of
      other tire-related information.

    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 employs 26,500 and
operates 21 plants in 19 locations.