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Michelin's Radial Tire Named Most Significant Tire Achievement

18 September 2000

Michelin's Radial Tire Named Most Significant Tire Achievement Of the 20th Century

    AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 18 Radial tire technology, patented and
introduced to the industry by Michelin in 1946, was awarded the International
Tire Exhibition and Conference (ITEC) Grand Trilogy Award and recognized as
the top product achievement in the ITEC Trilogy Awards.  An independent
technical panel reviewed all the entries and concluded that the radial tire
"revolutionized the tire industry."
    "As a leader in the tire industry, Michelin is always focused on
furthering tire technology.  It is an honor to be recognized for introducing
the radial tire," said Jim Micali, chairman and president of Michelin North
America, Inc.  "The radial tire was a revolutionary invention when it was
developed.  We have challenged ourselves to take the next revolutionary step;
the result is PAX System, an all-new extended mobility tire system that
represents major leaps in comfort, handling, safety and design options."
    The ITEC Trilogy Awards, sponsored by Rubber and Plastics News and
Smither's Scientific Services, were created to provide a medium for tire
manufacturers and suppliers to be recognized for significant advancements in
the tire industry developed in the past century.  The awards consist of three
categories: product, process or testing.  A first-place winner in each
category, along with a first runner-up and second place winner was selected.
    The radial tire significantly improved the tire industry.  The technology
boasts many qualities that bias-ply tires could not achieve, including
improved handling, cornering, fuel economy and traction.  In addition, the
tire lasted twice as long as conventional tires at the time of its
introduction.