Michelin Rolling With Power

GREENVILLE, S.C.--Michelin has received its 25th and 26th J.D. Power and Associates Awards--rolling-up 75 percent of the 34 honors ever given in the tire category.

The most recent awards are for Best Replacement Tire for Passenger Vehicles and Best Replacement Tire for Light Trucks in customer satisfaction, completing a sweep of both tire segments in this year’s study. In October, Michelin was ranked Best Original Equipment Tire for both Passenger Vehicles and Light Trucks.

“We believe receiving this award year after year really validates our dedication to making the best tires in the world,” said Alison Heiser, Michelin brand manager. “But it also gives us valuable information directly from consumers that we can use to create future products that meet specific needs.”

Michelin’s performance in the annual J.D. Power and Associates tire study is unparalleled, according to the company. Michelin is the only brand to receive a J.D. Power Award every year since the tire study began. The two most recent awards gave the company its fifth sweep in 12 years.

The independently funded J.D. Power 2000 Replacement Tire Customer Satisfaction Study is based upon the responses of more than 7,400 new vehicle owners and lessees. In the tire category, the studies provide specific feedback on tire quality, wearability and handling.

In creating its Cross Terrain SUV tire, Michelin conducted extensive research to find out exactly what SUV owners want in a tire, confirming that today’s SUV is more likely to spend the majority of its life on--rather than off--the road. The result is a tire that provides improved stopping on wet pavement, better handling in both dry and wet conditions and a smoother, more car-like ride, she said. Owners have traditionally only been able to equip SUVs with light truck or passenger tires.

The new Michelin SUV tire is available as a replacement tire and has also been chosen as original equipment on vehicles such as the 2002 Ford Explorer, the Acura MDX and the Yukon Denali.

“Cross Terrain is a classic example of how we identified a common need and were able to provide an excellent solution,” Heiser said. “We believe it's that commitment that consumers recognize year after year.”

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

For more information, contact www.michelin.com.