Goodyear and Michelin to Accelerate Introduction of Innovative Tire Systems
23 June 2000
New Systems to Feature Run-Flat Capability
AKRON, Ohio and CLERMONT-FERRAND, France - Goodyear and Michelin, two of the
world's largest tire companies, announced today in an historic agreement that
they will cooperate to provide auto manufacturers and consumers with significant
new choices in run-flat tire systems.
Recognizing the growing demand of consumers for increased comfort,
improved handling and the security of run-flat capability, the two companies
will cooperate in the research and development of advanced run-flat
technologies through a joint venture. Run-flat systems will also provide auto
manufacturers with greater opportunities in vehicle design, use of interior
space and styling flexibility. These innovations should lead to further
advances in rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption.
By contributing resources for joint run-flat research and development,
Goodyear and Michelin will dramatically accelerate the availability of
advanced run-flat systems for auto manufacturers and consumers. They also
will provide auto manufacturers with additional sourcing opportunities as the
two companies develop complementary but competitive products for their
markets.
Each company brings advanced run-flat system experience to the joint
venture, which will be headquartered in The Netherlands. Goodyear will
license its extended mobility technology and pressure monitoring system
patents to Michelin. Michelin will license the PAX System to Goodyear. These
technologies will become the foundation for developments of future generations
of run-flat systems.
One goal of the joint venture is to help address the concerns of drivers
to better manage loss of air pressure. For many drivers, checking air
pressure on a regular basis can be an inconvenience. For virtually all
motorists, changing a tire on a busy road or in an unfamiliar location can be
worrisome. Run-flat systems will give increased security and convenience by
enabling users to continue driving on a tire without air pressure until it can
be serviced.
To address consumer concerns, in 1994, Goodyear launched its Extended
Mobility Tire (EMT). If a complete loss of air pressure occurs, the EMT tire,
with reinforced sidewall inserts and a low pressure warning system, allows
consumers continued operation of their vehicles until they can reach a service
facility. This concept was designed to fit standard wheels.
In 1996, Michelin launched PAX System. It consists of four key features:
a tire with a unique bead lock; a run-flat insert that allows the vehicle to
continue operating if tire pressure is lost; a special wheel that accommodates
both the unique bead and the run-flat insert; and a tire pressure warning
system. Today, PAX System has become a new standard.
Goodyear and Michelin are convinced, after an analysis of other tire/wheel
combinations, that PAX System is the best platform for incorporation of future
tire concepts into new vehicle designs. Initially, Goodyear and Michelin will
focus on accelerating the availability of the current PAX System. For those
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) customers who wish to have run-flat
capability on conventional wheels, both companies will continue to propose
solutions, utilizing EMT technologies and their improvements. An important
research and development joint-venture activity will be to exploit the
synergies in exchanging their respective run-flat technologies to develop
enhanced solutions.
The agreements allow Goodyear to explore incorporation of its EMT
technology into the PAX System standard while Michelin will take advantage of
Goodyear's extensive background in run-flat technologies, including tires,
pressure-monitoring systems, run-flat inserts and lubricants.
In addition, Goodyear and Michelin have agreed to promote PAX System, and
its technical enhancements, to the OEMs. In order to accelerate the
widespread commercial availability of future run-flat systems to consumers,
the companies have also entered into an aftermarket agreement. The companies
will offer consumers easy access to interchangeable parts through a qualified,
global network of trained service technicians, when maintenance and service
are required. To ensure vigorous competition, both companies will continue to
compete in the sale of run-flat systems and the provision of aftermarket
services.
Both Goodyear and Michelin will coordinate a consumer and industry
information campaign to accelerate the introduction of run-flat systems and
promote their benefits to all consumers worldwide.
Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. Headquartered in Akron,
Ohio, the company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals
in more than 90 facilities in 27 countries. It has marketing operations in
almost every country around the world. Goodyear, with the addition of its
Dunlop tire joint ventures, employs more than 105,000 people worldwide. For
more information about Goodyear, visit http://www.goodyearnewsroom.com on the
Internet.
The Michelin Group manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle,
including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-
duty trucks, motorcycles and the U.S. space shuttle. The group also publishes
travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin employs 127,000 people
worldwide and has production facilities in 19 countries.