Michelin Man(TM) Gives a Nod to Special Olympics Athletes; Michelin North America, Inc. to Donate Portions of Michelin Man(TM) Bobblehead Sales to Special Olympics

GREENVILLE, S.C., May 30, 2003 -- The Michelin Man(TM) is extending a helping hand -- and giving a nod -- to Special Olympics athletes this summer. Michelin North America, Inc., has produced Michelin Man bobblehead dolls and is making them available to consumers at www.michelinman.com, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Special Olympics. The donation from bobblehead sales is part of a $250,000 donation Michelin will make to Special Olympics this year.

Consumers can purchase Michelin Man bobblehead dolls online for $22, including shipping. Consumers can also receive a free bobblehead when they purchase Michelin(R) tires from June 1 through July 31, 2003.

"Michelin and its dealers are supporting our partnership with Special Olympics through the sale of Michelin tires," says Sheryl Henderson, director of Michelin Brand, Michelin North America, Inc. "It's a win-win situation for consumers because they are buying a great set of tires, getting a free Michelin Man bobblehead, and helping an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities."

The bobblehead dolls are similar to the doll that co-stars in one of Michelin's television commercials, along with Bibendum(R), the Michelin Man(TM). The television spot highlights the smooth-riding Michelin(R) Cross Terrain(TM) SUV tires as the driver tries his best to make the vehicle swerve in order to make the bobblehead's head shake. The spot closes at a traffic light with the driver grabbing the doll and shaking it as he looks up to see the real Michelin Man in the car next to his.

"Michelin conveys excellence through tire innovation and Special Olympics is a great way for individuals with mental retardation to showcase their athletic ability," says Libby Andrews, director, Corporate Development, Special Olympics. "Striving to be the best, whether it's in athletic competition or on the highway, is what our partnership is all about."

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation. More than one million athletes in over 150 countries train and compete in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with mental retardation continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their families and community. Athletes and their families are not charged a fee to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org or on AOL Keyword: Special Olympics.

About Michelin North America, Inc.

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 (www.michelin.com) employs 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.