Michelin Tops J.D. Power and Associates Tire Brand Rankings
27 October 1998
Michelin Tops J.D. Power and Associates Tire Brand RankingsGREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 26 -- Michelin brand tires were ranked the highest in customer satisfaction for both passenger vehicle and light trucks in the J.D. Power and Associates 10th annual Original Equipment Tire Satisfaction Study. The announcement was made by Lee Nauert, manager of tire research at J.D. Power and Associates. "The satisfaction index of original equipment (OE) tires on passenger cars and compact vans has increased to an all-time high in 1998," said Nauert. "Improvements are revealed in four out of the six measures, most notably in style and safety/traction, which includes quick starts, fast stops and emergency handling." The study, based on the experiences and opinions of more than 18,000 consumers with one-year-old vehicles, reports on how satisfied consumers are with their OE tires. Respondents to the study answer questions concerning tire quality, performance, brand image and service. "We are very pleased with the survey results," said Bob Carroll, vice president of marketing for Michelin's Automotive Industry Division. "Our OE customers know that Michelin brand tires enhance both the image and performance of their vehicles. However, it's always a plus when consumers validate it." The passenger vehicle tire category includes both cars and compact vans, which cater to customers who prefer a sporty, performance-handling ride. The light truck category includes compact and full-size sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and full-size vans. These vehicles are grouped together due to heavy-duty capabilities in towing and occasional off-road use. Michelin brand took the top position in overall Car/Compact Van OE Tire Satisfaction. Michelin brand also took first place in overall Light Truck OE Tire Satisfaction. The J.D. Power and Associates 1998 Original Equipment Tire Satisfaction Study includes a nationally representative sample of owners and lessees of all makes and models of 1997 passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold in the United States. Independently funded by J.D. Power and Associates to provide a comprehensive perspective of the OE tire industry, the study features six performance measures: product quality, wearability, safety/traction, special traction, ride and style. The 1998 study also includes a measurement of consumer interest in run-flat tires, self-sealing tires, tread design and tire size. Michelin Automotive Industry Division is the Troy, Michigan-based OE business unit of Michelin North America. Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, Michelin North America employs 23,000 and operates 25 plants.