Michelin Offers First-Ever Winter Tire Mileage Warranty

DETROIT, Jan. 10, 2011 -- Detroit is one of the largest markets for winter tire sales; and as automakers, enthusiasts, distinguished guests and media from around the world congregate in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show this week, having the right winter tire can change everything.

During the cold winter months, it is imperative to be prepared for winter conditions, especially when it comes to road safety. That is why, this season, Michelin is offering motorists something more with their winter tire purchase—the first-ever mileage warranty on a winter tire.

Starting now, the Michelin X-Ice Xi2® and Latitude X-Ice Xi2® tires will come with a 40,000 mile tread wear warranty. This is the first time Michelin has provided such a warranty on winter tires in the United States.

"Our innovative designs and advanced tread compounds have allowed us to offer industry-leading warranties, and now we're able to do the same in the winter tire category," said Andrew Koury, Michelin's winter tire category manager. "Michelin strives to offer the best in tire performance; and with this new warranty, vehicle owners can brave the snow, ice and other winter conditions with additional comfort and security."

In addition to the tread wear limited warranty, the Michelin X-Ice Xi2® and Latitude X-Ice Xi2® winter tires are also covered under the material and workmanship limited warranty.

Michelin X-Ice Xi2® and Latitude X-Ice Xi2® winter tires utilize advanced tread block technology - a combination of multiple sipes and micro-pumps with a state-of-the-art rubber silica-based rubber compound called FleX-Ice. This progressive, engineered combination delivers optimized tractive grip and exceptional braking on ice.

Additionally, the tires are equipped with Comfort Control Technologyâ„¢ which utilizes computer-optimized design and precision manufacturing to reduce vibrations and road noise, resulting in one of the most comfortable rides in the industry.

For more information on Michelin's winter tires, please visit: www.michelinman.com and Michelin's Winter Driving Academy at: www.michelinwintercenter.com.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin (www.michelin.com) designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs approximately 20,900 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.