Detroit Auto Show: Michelin PAX System Comes to North America

    DETROIT, Jan. 6, 2003; The first North American fitment for the
Michelin PAX(R) System will be unveiled at the 2003 North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS).  Rolls Royce is introducing its new 2004
model, complete with Michelin's revolutionary continued mobility system as
standard equipment.
    The 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom, available for delivery to consumers in April
2003, is fitted with Michelin(R) PAX(R) 265x790R540A tires.  Although this is
the first North American vehicle riding on PAX System, the tire/wheel system
has been available in Europe since June 2001 and is found on the Renault
Scenic and the new Audi A8.  Rolls Royce is the first automaker to use PAX
System as standard equipment on 100 percent of the new model.
    "We proudly welcome Rolls Royce as the latest customer of the Michelin PAX
System and the first automaker to bring PAX System to the streets of North
America," said Jean-Michel Guillon, COO of Michelin Automotive Industry
Division.  "This is the next logical step in the advancement of PAX System in
the industry.  The system has had great success with consumers and automakers
alike in Europe.  Now, drivers in North America will have the chance to
experience the PAX System advantages."
    In addition to outfitting the new Rolls Royce Phantom with PAX System,
Michelin has also equipped four concept vehicles at the NAIAS with its PAX
System tires.  Mazda is featuring a concept vehicle sporting Michelin PAX(R)
225x750R540A tires.  The Renault Vel Satis has been fitted with Michelin PAX
225x690R540A tires and the Renault Koleos is completed with Michelin PAX
240x800R560A Heracles tires.  Toyota is introducing a new fuel cell vehicle
equipped with Michelin PAX 215x730R560 tires.
    While Michelin is introducing PAX System on a production vehicle and four
concept vehicles, Goodyear has equipped one concept vehicle with PAX System
tires for the show as well.  Goodyear, Pirelli and Sumitomo are each
developing the PAX System in their own product lines.  "Our vision was for PAX
System to become an industry standard embraced by major automakers on every
continent and manufactured by a variety of tiremakers.  Now in 2003, we are
seeing this goal rapidly becoming reality," said Guillon.
    "Michelin has achieved a new milestone in the development of continued
mobility tires," explains Guillon.  "The technology now becomes an integral
part of the vehicle design, enabling advancements in both form and function.
The spare tire can be eliminated.  Additional interior space is available.
With PAX System, there is room inside the wheel for suspension and braking
components, eliminating many of the compromises between passenger comfort and
vehicle performance that were made in the past.  This achievement as an
enabler of performance and design is the true success of Michelin's continued
mobility program."
    Although the revolutionary PAX(R) System is certainly the future of
continued mobility, it is not the only option from Michelin -- far from it.
Michelin North America offers a full range of continued mobility options for
the original equipment market with sealant, zero pressure (ZP) and PAX System.
    Several high-profile production vehicles are outfitted with Michelin(R)
ZP(R) tires including the new Dodge Viper and the 2004 Cadillac XLR.
Additionally, Uniroyal(R) NailGard(R) tires are original equipment on several
production vehicles such as the 2003 Ford Windstar and 2003 Pontiac Aztec.
NailGard(R) sealant is used inside the tire to seal-off punctures and minimize
air loss.
    Michelin ZP tires have advanced "run flat" technology that eliminates the
need for a spare tire and provides outstanding overall performance.  The ZP
design has self-supporting sidewalls that allow the tires to maintain
operation after a loss of pressure for up to 100 miles of continuous driving.
Michelin's Zero Pressure(TM) technology features overall performance superior
to many competing run-flat systems, which are designed strictly for high
performance use and exhibit harsh ride qualities.  Michelin ZP tires deliver
both the high performance and smooth ride demanded by drivers.

    About Michelin PAX System:
    Michelin introduced the PAX System in 1998.  This revolutionary new system
is an integrated unit including a tire, an asymmetrical wheel, a flexible
support ring inside the tire and a tire pressure monitoring system.  In the
event of a loss of air pressure, the PAX tire rides on the inner support ring.
The vehicle can continue to operate at 55mph for up to 125 miles.  Although
easily mounted and dismounted, a PAX System tire cannot come off the rim
during operation.
    When in normal operation, PAX(R) System tires improve road handling,
driving comfort and reduce rolling resistance by up to 10 percent (which
translates into better fuel economy) with no trade-off in tire performance.
More information can be found at http://www.paxsystem.com .