It’s already decided to shutter production at some of its plants in Europe for at least a week, and Michelin has now begun a temporary, phased shutdown of some of its tyre production facilities in the United States and Canada as well. It has also “established appropriate contingency plans” for the weeks to come and will adjust its actions “as the situation evolves.”
Michelin has introduced a further brand to its agricultural segment portfolio in North America. In addition to selling Michelin and Kleber tyres as well as Camso tracks and systems, the company has now introduced farm tyres under the BFGoodrich brand name.
As of 1 January 2020, Tony Ménard will take over as Michelin North America’s director of motorsports. He succeeds Chris Baker, who has held the role for the past eight years. Baker is scheduled to retire in March 2020, concluding a career with Michelin than began in 1982.
Michelin North America says that prices for selected Michelin and BFGoodrich passenger and light truck tyres will increase by up to five per cent from 1 September. Specific details haven’t been publicly announced – Michelin invites its customers to “discuss details concerning the price increase directly with account managers.”
Michelin has named Alexis Garcin as the next chairman and president of Michelin North America. He succeeds Scott Clark, who was recently promoted to Michelin’s Group Executive Committee as executive vice president responsible for the global passenger car and light truck business, motorsports, Experiences (including the Michelin Guides) and regional oversight of the Americas.
Here in the UK and in Europe, Uniroyal belongs to the Continental tyre portfolio, but in North America it is a Michelin brand. And across the pond, Uniroyal Tires has gained a new brand mascot – Royal.
A giant new warehouse complex built by Michelin in the USA is now operational and capable of supplying tyres to up to three thousand regional customers. The Michelin Woodruff U70 distribution centre is, at 3 million square feet, the Michelin Group’s largest distribution centre.
Michelin’s all-season tyre for light commercial vehicles will be available in the USA and Canada as of 1 April. Michelin North America has released the range seen in the UK and Europe in five C-Metric sizes, offering fitments to European van platforms that have become increasingly popular in the North American market. The Agilis CrossClimate name has also been given to a LT-Metric tyre designed specifically for ¾- and 1-ton pick-up trucks and vans. This product can be identified at a glance by its non-directional tread pattern; the LT-Metric range covers 16 sizes.
Engagements in MotoGP, WRC and Formula E are just fine, but let’s face it, many tyre makers participate in motorsport. Yet Michelin need not be downhearted, because as far as Tyrepress.com is aware it is the only tyre firm involved in the art of rock painting.
According to local news sources, the Michelin earthmover tyre factory in Starr, South Carolina will reopen today. The Anderson Observer writes that the facility’s reactivation will be made official at an event held at the plant today.
Michelin North America has issued the theme for its 2019 Michelin Challenge Design competition, ‘Inspiring Mobility,’ which examines questions of why joy, trust, security or freedom are important factors in designing mobility solutions for megacities of the future.
Every year, US-based truck manufacturer Paccar Inc. recognises suppliers who meet or exceed its ‘10 PPM’ quality standard – the equivalent of ten or fewer defective parts for every million components shipped to PACCAR. This year, PACCAR acknowledged 268 suppliers in 26 countries with a 10 PPM Supplier Quality award for achieving this high level of quality performance, and additionally for meeting meet demanding criteria for delivery performance, customer support, and business impact.
