---

Michelin Tops J.D. Power and Associates Tire Brand Rankings

27 October 1998

Michelin Tops J.D. Power and Associates Tire Brand Rankings

    GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 26 -- Michelin brand tires were ranked
the highest in customer satisfaction for both passenger vehicle and light
trucks in the J.D. Power and Associates 10th annual Original Equipment Tire
Satisfaction Study. The announcement was made by Lee Nauert, manager of tire
research at J.D. Power and Associates.
    "The satisfaction index of original equipment (OE) tires on passenger cars
and compact vans has increased to an all-time high in 1998," said Nauert.
"Improvements are revealed in four out of the six measures, most notably in
style and safety/traction, which includes quick starts, fast stops and
emergency handling."
    The study, based on the experiences and opinions of more than 18,000
consumers with one-year-old vehicles, reports on how satisfied consumers are
with their OE tires.  Respondents to the study answer questions concerning
tire quality, performance, brand image and service.
    "We are very pleased with the survey results," said Bob Carroll, vice
president of marketing for Michelin's Automotive Industry Division. "Our OE
customers know that Michelin brand tires enhance both the image and
performance of their vehicles.  However, it's always a plus when consumers
validate it."
     The passenger vehicle tire category includes both cars and compact vans,
which cater to customers who prefer a sporty, performance-handling ride.  The
light truck category includes compact and full-size sport utility vehicles,
pickup trucks and full-size vans.  These vehicles are grouped together due to
heavy-duty capabilities in towing and occasional off-road use.
    Michelin brand took the top position in overall Car/Compact Van OE Tire
Satisfaction.  Michelin brand also took first place in overall Light Truck OE
Tire Satisfaction.
    The J.D. Power and Associates 1998 Original Equipment Tire Satisfaction
Study includes a nationally representative sample of owners and lessees of all
makes and models of 1997 passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks and sport utility
vehicles sold in the United States.  Independently funded by J.D. Power and
Associates to provide a comprehensive perspective of the OE tire industry, the
study features six performance measures:  product quality, wearability,
safety/traction, special traction, ride and style.  The 1998 study also
includes a measurement of consumer interest in run-flat tires, self-sealing
tires, tread design and tire size.
    Michelin Automotive Industry Division is the Troy, Michigan-based OE
business unit of Michelin North America.  Michelin manufactures and sells
tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles,
earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle.
Headquartered in Greenville, SC, Michelin North America employs 23,000 and
operates 25 plants.