New Michelin(R) LTX(R) M/S2 Tire Offers an Exceptional Combination of Performances for Light Trucks and SUVs

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 1 -- The tire industry's best light truck tire just got better. Today, Michelin announced the introduction of the new MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire for light trucks and SUVs, offering significant improvements in safety, longevity and fuel efficiency.

"The MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire is by far the leading tire in its category and a long-time consumer favorite," said Rob Cunningham, light truck category manager, Michelin North America. "With the MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire, consumers don't have to sacrifice one benefit for another, offering a long tread life and true all-season security and utility for greater confidence. The MICHELIN LTX M/S tire is proven in the market and we have worked hard to ensure that the next generation of this product is even better."

To make a great tire better, Michelin tire engineers incorporated several innovations and technologies into the new MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire:

  --  3D Active Sipes: The MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire features interlocking
      siping that allows the tread blocks to lock together and preserve
      rigidity in the blocks. Greater density of full depth 3D Active Sipes
      allow 8% more biting edges than the prior generation MICHELIN LTX M/S
      and offers better snow traction. Less bending of the tread blocks
      under torque results in less energy used. As a result, the LT sizes of
      MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire are labeled 'Green X ' - signifying superior
      levels of fuel economy.
  --  New Silica Tread Compound: Added silica to the rubber formulation
      allows for greater wet performance. With the new silica tread
      compounds and better lateral water evacuation, the MICHELIN LTX M/S2
      tire stops up to 7 feet shorter than the competition.*
  --  Michelin Comfort Control Technology(TM): Through Michelin Comfort
      Control Technology(TM) and precision manufacturing, the MICHELIN LTX
      M/S2 tire is designed to greatly reduce vibrations and road noise for
      a quiet ride.
  --  Michelin Advanced MaxTouch Construction(TM): Michelin Advanced
      MaxTouch Construction(TM) technology features a unique contact patch
      shape that evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking and
      cornering. The new MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire is the longest lasting tire
      in its class and gives consumers up to 20,000 more miles than
      competitive tires.**

  --  Three Steel-Belt Durability: An extra steel belt provides incredible
      durability and strength to handle loads up to 13,500 lbs.

"The MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire will provide truck and SUV owners years of worry free driving because it is the segment's longest lasting, safest and most reliable tire available. It offers consumers the very best value for their money and will wow them with its incredible performance," said Cunningham.

With 38 sizes being introduced in 2009 and 2010, including P-Metric as well as LT, the MICHELIN LTX M/S2 tire fits a wide spectrum of light trucks and SUVs. Rim diameters range from 15" to 20". The tire will carry a 70,000 mile limited warranty and will be available at authorized Michelin dealers starting September 1, 2009.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, 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, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs more than 22,600 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

* Based on wet braking test results for LT sizes versus Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II, and Goodyear Wrangler SA tires.

** Based wear test results for P Metric sizes versus Bridgestone Dueler H/T 684 II, and Goodyear Fortera TT tires.

For more information, visit www.michelinmedia.com