Michelin's Innovative PAX System(TM) Goes Mainstream

New 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring Edition is first U.S. minivan offering drivers security and convenience of Michelin's PAX System.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 27 -- Michelin's innovative PAX System(TM) makes its mainstream debut in the United States this fall, equipped on Honda's new, top-of-the-line 2005 Odyssey Touring edition.

"Honda's choice of Michelin PAX System for this important new edition of the Odyssey minivan is a significant milestone for PAX System as it moves to mainstream vehicles sold in the United States," said Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin Automotive Industries Division.

The Honda Odyssey is the second biggest selling minivan in the United States. The new vehicle, which went on sale Sept. 22, 2004, is enjoying outstanding reviews based on its new styling and use of advanced technology features like Michelin PAX System.

"The Honda Odyssey Touring edition provides a great platform for the mainstream launch of Michelin PAX System in the United States," said Chubb. "PAX System provides the ride, handling, comfort and performance that Honda and its Odyssey owners prize while offering the added security and convenience of continued mobility for up to 125 miles at 55 mph."

PAX System has been available as standard equipment on the Rolls-Royce Phantom in the United States since 2003. It is offered as an option on several Audi models sold in Europe.

Michelin PAX System is an assembly of four components: tire, support ring, wheel, and pressure monitor. The unique design of the assembly means the tire will not unseat from the rim in normal operating conditions even after a total loss of air pressure.

In addition to delivering true continued mobility performance at 55 mph for up to 125 miles after a loss of air pressure, Michelin PAX System also offers better handling than standard tires for everyday driving and better comfort than traditional self-supporting tires.

Since Michelin first introduced the concept of PAX System in 1998, the company has licensed the technology to Pirelli, Goodyear, Sumitomo Rubber Industries and Toyo in an effort to establish a new industry standard. Currently in North America and Europe, more than 200,000 PAX System assemblies are in operation.

Now that PAX System has hit the mainstream in the United States, Michelin expects a number of other PAX System vehicles, including Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), to follow.

According to Chubb, Michelin PAX System is the best continued mobility technology available to meet the needs for SUV and minivan buyers, primarily families, with a priority on safety and security. The light truck segment, which is composed of minivans, SUVs and pickups now accounts for 52 percent of the U.S. new-vehicle market.

"There is a lot of momentum building in the industry," said Chubb. "Several manufacturers are watching the Odyssey program very closely and are considering PAX System technology for their next generation vehicles, especially their minivans and SUVs.

"By the time that their next generation minivans, SUVs and premium sedans are introduced, consumers will likely expect the safety and security of PAX System," said Chubb. "In the near future, PAX System on minivans and SUVs could become as commonplace as fold-flat seats and rear-seat entertainment systems."

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 23,920 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.