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Michelin Showcases Radial Tire Solutions for Construction Industry

9 March 2000

Michelin Showcases Innovative Radial Tire Solutions for Construction Industry; Radial Tires on Display at AGC Constructor Expo--Booth 323

    SEATTLE, March 9 The Michelin Earthmover Group is
showcasing its fleet of radial tires for the construction industry at the
Associated General Contractors (AGC) Constructor Expo March 9-11, in the
Washington State Convention and Trade Center.  Michelin offers a complete line
of earthmover radial tires for work and transport machines, many of which are
on display in Booth 323.
    According to Tomas Bennett, market segment manager for construction and
quarries, the construction industry could benefit greatly from broader use of
radial tires.  "For the most part, the construction industry uses radial tires
on highway dump trucks and bias-ply tires on earthmoving equipment," he said.
"Other market segments like passenger cars and highway truck fleets have
recognized the benefits of radial tires. Our goal is to bring the productivity
advantages of Michelin earthmover radial tire innovation to the construction
marketplace."
    Recognized worldwide as the leader in radial tire technology, Michelin
delivered the first radial earthmover tire in 1959. Since then, Michelin's
knowledge and experience have resulted in earthmover tire innovations that
deliver more uptime and driver comfort, less stress on equipment and greater
productivity than standard radial or bias tires.
    Michelin will display a book of customer testimonials, illustrating the
benefits of using radial tires on work and transport equipment in various
applications.
    Visitors to the booth can examine a selection of earthmover tires for
loaders, scrapers, backhoes, articulated and rigid dumpers, motorgraders and
other equipment.  Two award-winning Michelin radial tires, the XZSL(TM)
Stabil'X for skid-steer loaders, and the XLD(TM) 70 for small- and medium-
wheel loaders, are part of the display.  Both tires were named top 100 new
products of 1999 and 1998 by Construction Equipment magazine.  The awards are
based on design and engineering innovations that lead to greater safety,
productivity and efficiencies for contractors, utility firms, mines and
government agencies who operate construction equipment.
    The XZSL delivers long life, superior performance and significant cost
savings for skid-steer applications.  The Michelin steel-belted radial design,
steel casing and special rubber compounds increase resistance to cuts and
abrasions for fewer flats and longer tread life.
    The XLD 70 uses Michelin advanced technology, a low-pressure, low-profile
architecture engineered to increase productivity in construction, quarry, sand
and gravel, and most L3 and L4 applications, while providing a comfortable and
stable ride.
    Michelin associates will be available at the booth to discuss specific
tires and solutions for construction applications, as well as industry trends.
    The Michelin Earthmover Group leads the industry with the most advanced
radial tires for equipment ranging from forklifts, to loaders, to giant haul
earthmovers.  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.  Headquartered in
Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 27,000 and operates 23 plants
in 21 locations. Visit Michelin Earthmover on the Web,
http://www.michelin.com/earthmover .