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AGCO Selects Michelin Agricultural Tires as Standard Equipment On All North American FENDT Tractors

31 May 2000

AGCO Selects Michelin Agricultural Tires as Standard Equipment On All North American FENDT Tractors

    GREENVILLE, S.C., May 31 Michelin agricultural radial
tires are standard equipment on one of the world's most sophisticated
tractors.  Since February, FENDT(TM) Vario Series tractors have been
commercially available in North America through AGCO Corporation ,
a major worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment.
AGCO selected Michelin advanced-technology radial agricultural tires for their
proven ability to enhance the superior performance of FENDT tractors.
    "Michelin agricultural tires are an important component on the North
American FENDT tractors," said Kevin Bien, general marketing manager, FENDT.
"Since FENDT tractors combine cutting-edge technology with industry-proven
innovations, it only made sense to install premium Michelin tires as standard
equipment on every tractor we sell."
    The alliance with FENDT marks the first exclusive OE placement for
Michelin agricultural tires since the company entered the North American
market in 1997.  Last year, Case Corp, Racine, Wis., announced that Michelin
Agribib(TM) and XM(TM)28 tires were available as performance options on its
new MX Series Magnum tractors.  Both fitments are paving the way for
additional placements of Michelin tires within the American agricultural
original equipment market.

    About Michelin agricultural tires

    Heralded as a world-class innovator, Michelin offers the Agribib(TM), the
XM(TM)28 and the XM(TM)108 line of radial tires used on the FENDT Vario Series
tractors.  They are designed to increase traction, improve flotation and
reduce soil compaction.  Additional benefits include extraordinary fuel
economy, excellent resistance to flats and damage, long life and superior
comfort and uniformity -- a requirement at the higher road speeds common to
FENDT tractors.
    "FENDT recognizes the value of tires in relation to performance.  That's
why AGCO Corporation chose Michelin to outfit its Vario Series tractors," said
Keat Pruszenski, OE account manager-North America for Michelin Agricultural
tires.
    The Michelin Earthmover Group leads the industry with the most advanced
radial tires for equipment ranging from forklifts and 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.  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 27,000 and operates 23 plants in 21 locations.