Tyre industry pioneers, Michelin has a long history. Having begun in 1889, Michelin is now the second-largest tyre manufacturer in the world after Bridgestone and larger than both Goodyear and Contineantal.
BMW M GmbH is adding a “formidable special edition model” to its product range in 2023, an “exclusive high-performance car that combines supreme dynamic prowess with the everyday usability of an M3 saloon.” Announcing the upcoming debut of the BMW M3 CS, BMW (UK) says the car will come with “track tyres as standard.” Accompanying photos show this tyre to be the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Banffshire-based haulage contractor, Ian S Roger, marked the company’s 50th anniversary in style with a new gold liveried Volvo FH 540 6×2 tractor unit, fitted with Michelin X Multi Z and X Works D tyres as original equipment. The eye-catching FH joins a mix of MAN, Renault, Scania and Volvo trucks as part of a 32-strong fleet of vehicles used for a variety of agricultural-based haulage work. Almost the entire fleet now runs on Michelin tyres.
Yesterday we reported that Mobivia Group had reacquired from Michelin its 20% stake in ATU or would do so “in the next few days,” becoming once again sole owner of the German garage and automotive parts network. At the time, Mobivia hadn’t responded to requests for further information, but a statement from company headquarters arrived this morning and sheds some light on the reason behind the buyback. What’s more, further research suggests Michelin was unable to realise its purchase price when selling the stake.
Five years ago, Michelin purchased a 20 per cent stake in German automotive parts and servicing network ATU for 60 million euros. The French tyre maker has now confirmed that majority shareholder, France’s Mobivia Group, will acquire the minority stake from Michelin “in the next few days” and thus become the retail chain’s sole owner
In order to offer a “comprehensive response to evolving employee expectations” about their working environment and conditions, Michelin has entered into a new four-year agreement with the four labour unions representing its workforce in France. The tyre maker and the CFDT, CFE-CGC, CGT and SUD unions signed the ‘People and their Working Environment’ agreement on 5 January 2023.
Kumho has replaced Michelin as control tyre supplier to TCR Australia, adding the race series down under to a touring car championship portfolio that already sees it providing tyres for TCR Europe, TCR South America, TCR Brazil, TCR Spain, TCR Eastern Europe and TCR Denmark. The tyre maker will also supply control tyres for the new in 2023 TCR World Tour.
The update to the EvoBib that Michelin announced last year has now arrived. The tyre maker is offering UK customers two sizes – VF 710/70 R 42 and VF 600/70 R 30 – and will expand the range in 2023 with the addition of new dimensions for larger tractors of more than 300 hp.
As of January 2023, Pierre-Louis Dubourdeau is Executive Vice-President of Manufacturing for the Michelin Group. In this role, Dubourdeau takes on responsibility for all Michelin factories around the world. He has also been appointed to the company’s Group Executive Committee.
Yeovil-based Ariel Motor Company is probably best-known for the hair-raising fun associated with its Ariel Atom and Nomad. However, last August the company entered supercar territory with the launch of the 1180 bhp electric-powered Hipercar.
Not only does the DTM touring car championship have a new home as part of Europe’s largest motoring association, the ADAC, changes are also afoot in the tyre department. Pirelli, who has long equipped another ADAC-backed series, is taking over from Michelin as exclusive DTM tyre supplier in 2023.
Negotiations have commenced for vehicle manufacturer Stellantis to acquire a “substantial stake” in zero-emission hydrogen mobility firm Symbio, with the expectation that it will become a “significant player” along with Faurecia and Michelin. Commenting on the negotiations, Michelin’s Florent Menegaux said the arrival of Stellantis will “catalyse the tremendous industrial momentum” that the existing stakeholders have already achieved.
Many tyre makers have faced difficult decisions in the weeks and months since Russian troops first marched across Ukraine’s border on 24 February. Companies such as Nokian Tyres, Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin, Yokohama and Pirelli have needed to decide whether to continue operating their Russian plants. Four of these manufacturers are turning their backs on Russia or considering doing so, but two apparently are not.
During the Smithers Recovered Carbon Black conference, which took place in Berlin in November, Bridgestone and Michelin jointly shared the results of efforts to develop a global standard to increase the utilisation of recovered carbon black in tyres. Click here to read or download Bridgestone and Michelin’s rCB grades and specifications proposal presentation.
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Ariel