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.
In a strange request, Pierre Dupasquier, head of Michelin Motorsport, suggested that Formula 1 teams should not only be able to use any rubber compound, but also be free to choose which manufacturer’s products they will use. The proposal would give teams the freedom to decide from race to race whether to use Michelin or Bridgestone tyres.
The associated press is reporting that workers at the Michelin-owned BF Goodrich plant in Ontario, Canada voted 94 per cent in favour of an offer from the tyre manufacturer, ending a strike of nearly three-months.
At Automechanika, SKF will be presenting a so-called ‘air wheel bearing’ through which air-pressure can be filled into the tyre. The bearings are used within the Tire Intelligent Pressure Management (TIPM) system, which was developed under the leadership of Michelin. TRW Automotive and WABCO are involved in this tyre pressure control improvement project.
Michelin’s infamous icon, the Michelin Man, is in the running for America’s ‘prestigious’ Favourite Ad Icon Award. The nationwide campaign launched by the American Association of Advertising Agencies has set globally renowned icons such as Tony the Tiger, Pillsbury Dough Boy and Energizer Bunny against each other in a bid to discover the country’s favourite advertising icon and slogan.
The winners will be unveiled on 20 September, day one of Advertising Week, at a ceremony on Madison Avenue, New York. The city’s advertising campiagn marks the largest-ever gathering of America’s most influential image-makers. More than 25 leading advertising and media trade associations will be participating in the week long event, which runs from 20-24 September 20-24.
The labour dispute between the United Steel Workers of America (USWA) and Michelin appears to have come to an end as the two sides have reached a tentative agreement.
The English round of the Le Man Edurance Series, held at Silverstone, ended in victory for the P.Kaffer/A.McNish. The Audi Sport UK/Veloqx vehicle won the race running on Michelin tyres.
The ongoing rivalry between Michelin and Bridgestone is having too much effect on the outcome of races, according to a BBC interview with Sauber team owner, Peter Sauber.
In a continuation of its recent wage dispute, Michelin has started negotiating a new wage agreement. The deal, which also discusses medical benefits, concerns four plants and 5,000 members of the company’s North American workforce.
Industry Media sources, including European Rubber Journal and Tire Business, are reporting that TW-Fitting, a Group Michelin and Continental AG joint venture, will set up a factory to supply Mercedes-Benz America with mounted tyre/wheel assemblies.
Although Michelin North America Inc. and the United Steelworkers of America have been under self-imposed deadline pressure to come to terms with the negotiations on a new contract agreement, both parties remained at the table when the fixed date for a conclusion passed by.
The leadership of American automotive manufacturing workers, United Steelworkers of America (USWA) have given Michelin North America Incorporated until Wednesday to negotiate a new labour contract.
A recent issue of Automotive News has reported that the 2005 Honda Odyssey will use Michelin PAX run flat tyres. It is not yet known whether run flat tyres will be fitted as standard or will only be used on the higher end EX and Touring models. At the same time, it is reported that Toyota Sienna minivans are using Bridgestone’s rival RFT system.
Michelin is to invest $31 million (£17 million) in plans to upgrade and expand production at its Bridgewater and Waterville tyre plants situated in Nova Scotia, according to the Nova Scotia Economic Development Ministry, which is providing $3 million to help secure the project.
High-speed action on gravel roads was the order of the day, at this weekend’s WRC race in Finland. The double world champion Marcus Grönholm and his new Peugeot 307 CC drove in a league of their own, won, and putting Grönholm back in contention for the title.
Michelin, as one of the race series’ two tyre suppliers, occupied the further places with Ford driver Markko Märtin and Citroën star Carlo Sainz. The victory Champagne must have tasted particularly sweet, since it was the seventh season victory for Michelin. The win also represents the first World Rally Championship triumph for the new Peugeot. Current champion, Petter Solberg and his Subaru (on Pirelli tyres) fell at the first hurdle, having an accident on the first day.
Michelin is to invest a further £14.5 million into its Northern Ireland manufacturing facility. According to the Northern Ireland News Letter the company intends to make its Ballymena site the largest truck and bus tyre plant in the UK.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
