Promotion Keeps Tire Consumers Rolling on Schedule

GREENVILLE, S.C. and MILPITAS, Calif., March 31 -- Michelin North America, Inc., the global leader in the tire industry, and Palm, Inc., the leading provider of handheld organizers, today announced a special offer for tire buyers. The promotion brings together the two companies for the first time.

For a limited time, March 30 through May 10, 2003, consumers purchasing any four new Michelin(R) brand light truck/SUV or passenger car tires will receive a mail-in certificate for a free Palm(TM) Zire(TM) handheld computer with a retail value of $99. The offer will be promoted online at www.michelinman.com and through more than 15,000 participating Michelin retailers in the United States.

Made for first-time handheld users who need an easy way to organize a busy life, the Palm Zire handheld is the fastest-selling handheld computer in history. Sleek and light, the Palm Zire handheld allows people to carry the information they need, anywhere they go. The Zire handheld was named as a best product of 2002 by Business Week, PC Magazine and others, and helps students, families and individuals in business meet the demands of juggling their calendars, ever-changing addresses and "to do's" as well as other activities. The Palm Zire handheld includes Palm's easy-to-use personal information applications so users can quickly keep track of important information.

"Michelin constantly strives to understand our customers' needs and to provide them with the best technology available. We're accomplishing both goals by working with Palm," said Sheryl Henderson, director of Michelin Brand. "Palm is the No. 1 name in its field and Michelin is a leader in light-truck and passenger car tires."

"Companies like Michelin that are bringing the Palm Zire handheld to customers are infusing new growth in the handheld computer category," said Michael Buhr, senior director of business marketing for Palm Solutions Group. "Because of the brand and value associated with the Zire handheld, we are now starting to see a new class of customer being associated with handhelds."

Michelin and Palm will provide extensive multi-media support to the promotion, including:

  * National Programs -- Internet-based advertising by Michelin and direct-
    mail to more than one million Michelin tire consumers.

  * Local Outreach -- Point of purchase displays featuring the Palm Zire
    handheld and the Michelin Man, as well as print and radio advertisements
    developed for the promotion.

  * E-Mail Newsletter -- Inclusion of promotion icon and details in the
    April edition of "Palm Voice," an email newsletter broadcast monthly to
    2.5 million registered Palm handheld users.

  * Web Site Tie-ins -- Promotion icon and details highlighted on the
    Palm.com Web site and a hyperlink between the site and Michelin's spring
    promotion web page (www.michelinman.com).

  * Special Offers -- A special page on the Palm Web site
    (www.palm.com/michelin) for information about these offers:
      - A $29.95 Zire handheld travel bundle (retail value $50)
      - Additional savings on Palm handheld computers

  About Michelin

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks 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 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.

About Palm, Inc.

With shipment of more than 21 million Palm handheld computers, many carried in pockets, purses and briefcases around the world, Palm delivers devices that make it easy for people to use and keep track of what matters to them.

Information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com/aboutpalm.

Palm and Zire are trademarks of Palm, Inc. Other brands may be trademarks of their respective owners.