Michelin Will Launch 'Tour de Force' Traveling Exhibit May 25th

         Consumers to Experience Michelin Innovation Through Hands-On
                   Activities and Virtual Reality Displays

    GREENVILLE, S.C., May 23 On May 25, industry leader
Michelin will launch a nationwide interactive traveling exhibit to educate
drivers about the role tires play in the performance of their vehicle.  The
exhibit, dubbed the Michelin Tour de Force, will kick off at Lime Rock Park
Raceway in Connecticut over Memorial Day weekend and spend 30 weeks visiting
events as diverse as air shows, Formula One races and arts festivals
nationwide.  With simulators, games and exhibits, the company will share with
consumers the wealth of knowledge it has built up in its 103 year-history.
Michelin expects the Tour de Force to be well received by a public with a
renewed interest in tires.
    "We've been making the best tires in the world for more than a century,
but the public has rarely been more interested in tires than it is right now,"
explained David Jones, Michelin brand manager.  "The Michelin Tour de Force
will give us an opportunity to speak directly with tens of thousands of those
people to answer their questions, show them why tires matter and showcase our
commitment to quality and their safety."
    The Michelin Tour de Force will boast more than 1,200 square feet of
exhibit space housed in two 53-feet-long tractor-trailers.  An expanding
Display Trailer will highlight Michelin's history and the large variety of
tires it manufactures for every type of vehicle from passenger cars and
bicycles to the Space Shuttle.  The exhibit will feature video games, trivia
questions about the famous Michelin Man mascot and a photo booth where
visitors can take pictures of themselves posing as a Michelin "baby" inside a
tire.
    A highlight of the Display Trailer will be a personal theater simulator
where visitors can engage in virtual experiences from mountain biking, to auto
racing to aviation tires.  Speed junkies will be able to sit in a racing
cockpit, don video goggles and virtually experience top racetracks from a
driver's perspective.  They can also register to win a spot in a Dodge/Skip
Barber Driving School.
    The second, Academy Trailer will feature a race car as well as a classroom
where visitors can learn about tire basics, vehicle dynamics and tips on
improved driving.  They will be able to hear, from an open wheel racecar
driver and team manager, how Michelin applies what it learns from racing to
every day production tires.
    "We believe this entire experience will help visitors see the connection
between on-track and on-road tires," Jones said. "At races as well as at other
events, the Michelin Tour de Force will show how many of Michelin's famous
innovations were born on the track."
    The schedule of the Michelin Tour de Force will take it to some of the
largest and most significant events in the country this summer.  From the race
at Lime Rock Park it will crisscross the continent to the Air Canada Grand
Prix in Montreal in early June, the EAA Fly-In in Osh Kosh, Wis. in July and
the Monterey Sports Car Championship near San Francisco in August.
Additionally, it will also appear in front of thousands of people in dozens of
smaller events.
   "We recognize that today's customers want to have more direct involvement
with us -- to tell us what they think and to get a look behind the scenes at
what we do," said Jones.  "With the Michelin Tour de Force we're going to give
them that opportunity and let them have fun along the way."
    The leader in customer satisfaction with more J.D. Power Awards than all
other tire manufacturers combined, 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 (http://www.michelin.com ) employs 26,500 and operates
22 plants in 19 locations.

                Michelin's Tips for Increasing Safety and Fuel
                      Efficiency on the Road this Summer

    Gas prices are at an all-time high across the country this summer and
safety is always a concern during any driving vacation.  Michelin offers the
following tips to help keep your car safe and efficient on the highway this
year.

    "Tires - under the car and under-appreciated"

    Many people think of tires as ordinary, but these high-technology products
are the only things connecting you to the road and play an important role in
the performance of your vehicle.

    * Check the inflation pressure frequently and when your tires are cold.  A
      few pounds of under inflation can affect the handling of your vehicle.
    * The proper inflation pressure for any vehicle can be found in the
      owner's manual or on the placard usually on the door jam.  The pressure
      marked on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum pressure allowed; not
      what is recommended for your vehicle.
    * Check the wear of your tires to determine when they need to be replaced.
      Be sure to inspect the entire tread including the center and shoulder
      area.  You need new tires if the tread is worn down to the wear bars --
      visible strips of rubber in the grooves of the tire that indicate wear.
      Another way to check tread depth is to insert a penny into the tire
      groove with Lincoln's head upside down.  If the top of the head is
      showing above the tread your tires need to be replaced.

    "Inspect your gadgets"

    When planning a trip, there are simple things you can do to prepare your
vehicle.

    * Conduct a visual inspection of the car (turn signals, parking brake,
      brake lights, and headlights) to ensure that everything is in working
      order.
    * Check the air pressure in your spare tire.
    * Check and change, as needed, all fluids (oil, radiator, and windshield
      washer).
    * Check filters.
    * Carry a communication device such as a cell phone for emergencies.
    * Be sure you have safety equipment, flashlight, etc.

    "Don't get taken at the pumps"

    With the cost of fuel expected to remain high during summer travel season,
it's important to find ways to save wherever possible.

    * Under inflated tires can add unnecessary rolling resistance that
      decreases miles per gallon.  When buying tires, look for ones that are
      specifically designed to reduce rolling resistance and enhance fuel
      economy like the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus(R).
    * Remember that anything that compromises the aerodynamics of your vehicle
      -- such as bikes and luggage carriers -- will worsen fuel economy.
    * Plan your route along interstates and maintain a moderate speed.  Less
      stopping and starting will help conserve fuel. Using cruise control will
      aid in sustaining a constant speed.
    * Higher octane fuels cost more, but they can cut down on engine "knock."
      Some vehicle manufacturers recommend higher octane fuels--consult your
      owner's manual.

    "Prepare the driver as well as the ride"

    During busy travel times, there will be an increased amount of traffic on
the road.  Stressed or tired drivers make for dangerous situations on the
road, so it's important to be fully rested and prepared for the trip.

    * Don't drive while you are drowsy, tired drivers react more slowly.
    * Minimize stress by mapping out your route in advance of your trip.
    * Pack a supply of food and water should you become stranded.
    * Take breaks along your route to stretch and break the boredom of
      driving.  A 15-minute break every two-three hours of driving is not
      unreasonable.
    * Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all occupants, especially
      children, are properly restrained.

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