Michelin(R) Ranks Highest for 24th Time in J.D. Power And Associates Consumer Satisfaction Study

17 October 2000
Michelin(R) Ranks Highest for 24th Time in J.D. Power And Associates Consumer Satisfaction Study
    GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 17 Tires are critical to the
performance and control of every vehicle, and according to a recent study by
J.D. Power and Associates, drivers can easily discern key differences among
tire brands.  For the 24th time since 1989, J.D. Power and Associates has
ranked Michelin(R) highest in customer satisfaction, based on response from
consumers nationwide. The study provides specific feedback on tire quality,
wearability and handling.
    In the study released October 16, 2000, Michelin ranked highest in Best
Original Equipment Tire for Passenger Vehicles in Customer Satisfaction and
Best Original Equipment Tire for Light Trucks in Customer Satisfaction
according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Original Equipment Tire
Customer Satisfaction Study.
    Since J.D. Power and Associates added tires to its annual customer
satisfaction studies in 1989, Michelin has received 24 of 32 possible awards,
a feat unequalled in the award's history for tires. According to J.D. Power
and Associates, Michelin has received more awards than all other tire
manufacturers combined.
    "Every day at Michelin, we work hard to provide consumers with the very
best tires possible," says Alison Heiser, Michelin brand manager.  "We
obsessively engineer every Michelin tire and we believe our J.D. Power record
demonstrates that commitment."
    Michelin tires have been chosen as original equipment on a wide variety of
vehicles, including Ford's 2002 Explorer which will feature the Michelin
brand's first tire designed specifically for SUVs, the Michelin Cross
Terrain (TM).
    The independently funded J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Original Equipment
Tire Customer Satisfaction Study is based upon the responses of more than
31,000 new vehicle owners and lessees.
    Michelin brand's J.D. Power and Associates award history:
    * Best Replacement Tire for Passenger Vehicles in Customer Satisfaction
      1992 - 1994, 1997 and 1999
    * Best Replacement Tire for Light Trucks in Customer Satisfaction 1995 -
      1999
    * Best Original Equipment Tire for Passenger Vehicles in Customer
      Satisfaction 1994 - 1996 (tie), 1998 - 2000
    * Best Original Equipment Tire for Light Truck Vehicles in Customer
      Satisfaction 1996 - 1998 and 2000
    * Best Overall Original Equipment Tire in Customer Satisfaction 1989 -1991
      and 1993*

    (* After 1993, this category was split into Best OE Tire for Passenger
Vehicle/Light Truck Satisfaction.)
    J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services firm
operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting and
customer satisfaction.  They are headquartered in Agoura Hills, Calif.
    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, Inc.
(http://www.michelin.com ) employs 26,500 and operates 21 plants in 19 locations.