Michelin Ramps Up Production to Meet Consumer Demand

    GREENVILLE, S.C., May 24 Michelin North America says it is
going to full capacity at all of its North American passenger and light truck
tire manufacturing plants.  That means turning out tires 24/7 as soon as
possible.  "Some facilities can gear up faster than others," said Jim Micali,
the President and Chairman of Michelin North America, Inc.  "Our plant in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for example is currently in a scheduled shutdown, so it
will take longer than say, Opelika, Alabama, where we've already announced the
addition of another shift."  Last fall, Michelin turned out an additional 2
million tires to help fill the void created by the Firestone recall of 6.5
million tires.

    The company also says it will make the process of replacing the Firestone
tires as convenient as possible for consumers.  A Michelin Ford Customer
Service Support Center is being established and will be operational at 8:30 AM
on Friday, May 25th.  The Michelin Ford Customer Service Support Center will
manage the fulfillment of Ford Motor Company Dealership orders, from Michelin
plants, through Michelin's Dealer Network, and on to the vehicle dealership.

    Michelin says it is buying molds and adding capacity in order to meet the
demand that will continue to grow, due to Ford's replacement campaign.  The
tires in question are original equipment on some of Ford's most popular light
truck and SUV models.  In addition, as Firestone's contracts with Ford expire,
Michelin expects to be asked to supply tires for other Ford vehicles.
Already, Michelin is the lead supplier on the all new 2002 model year Explorer
with some 70% of that vehicle's production mounted on Michelin tires.  The
company is a long-time supplier to Ford and its Volvo brand.  Michelin is also
the tire partner for Jaguar's Formula 1 racing team.

    In addition to increasing domestic production, the company says it will
rely on its international network of manufacturing facilities to import tires
and balance supply and demand.  "We are going wide open to meet the needs
created by this replacement campaign."  Said Jim Zickos, MNA's Director of
Planning.  "The help we get from our colleagues abroad will ensure that we
continue to satisfy consumers who need to change out their Firestone tires and
at the same time meet the needs of all the other customers and consumers that
rely on Michelin quality."