Anticipating evoving needs

In an uncertain economic climate, our customers’ expectations are liable to change quickly and it is essential that we anticipate their new needs. To this end, Michelin uses effective tools, such as customer surveys and Customer Value Analysis (CVA) studies, which are conducted by specialized institutes among passenger car tire distributors.

The latest studies show that consumers’ principal concerns are improved safety, driving comfort and reduced vehicle use costs, while respecting the environment. Today they have a greater awareness of the role tires play in fuel consumption.

Energy Saver: a saving of 4 g of CO₂ per km

Launched at the end of 2007 in the original equipment market, and in the first quarter of 2008 in the replacement market, MICHELIN Energy Saver range, fourth generation of MICHELIN Green tires, has broken new ground in the pursuit for energy efficiency.

By decreasing rolling resistance by a further 20%, MICHELIN Energy Saver economizes 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 km, or almost 2 euros for every full tank (2008), while maintaining exceptional performance in terms of durability and grip. The tire thus emits 4 grams less CO₂ for each kilometre covered (1). That represents 20% of the objective set by the European Commission for automobile manufacturers to decrease by 20 grams per km the average level of CO₂ emissions across their product ranges, from 140 g/km in 2008 to 120 g/km in 2012.

With this technology, Michelin is able to offer manufacturers a preferential solution for their specific “low CO₂ emissions” label. MICHELIN Energy Saver was designed with a view to equipping most cars on the market, from city cars to mini-vans, including sedans and coupes. Launched on a Peugeot 308 after four years of collaborative development, MICHELIN Energy Saver now equips other models widely available in Europe. The tire will also be the exclusive fitment on the new Toyota Yaris and will equip the new Fusion hybrid from Ford, which presented Michelin with a special award for its commitment to sustainable development.

In the replacement market, MICHELIN Energy Saver is sold at the same price as its predecessor, enabling consumers to benefit from the savings and improved environmental performance of the new tire at no additional cost.

Michelin Green X: the new mark for energy-efficient tires

In order to facilitate the identification of Michelin high energy efficient tires, we put a “Green X” mark on their sidewalls. For each tire size and market segment the mark indicates those tires whose rolling resistance coefficient is among the best on the market and which therefore offer greater energy efficiency. Our ambition is that the majority of MICHELIN passenger car tire ranges carry the Green X mark, while maintaining a logic of differentiation according to each market segment. Furthermore, Michelin supports the implementation of energy efficiency indicators for tires in Europe and the United States.

Performances recognized through numerous tests

Michelin received the Frost & Sullivan Customer Choice Award for Brand Offering 2007, in the categories “Safe and Durable Tires” and “Best Overall Tire Brand”. This recognition is the result of a study entitled Consumer Attitudes and Perceptions towards Road Handling, and demonstrates that the Michelin group is considered by consumers to be Europe’s most innovating tire manufacturer.

Several of our Passenger car and light truck tires have also received awards from independent bodies:

- MICHELIN Energy Saver: winner of the 2008 TÜV SÜD Automotive award for both safe braking on wet surfaces and fuel saving, and of the Tire Technology of the Year prize, awarded by an international jury of specialists and professionals from the tire industry, engineers and academics from across the globe;

- MICHELIN Energy: voted best for wear resistance in the French magazine Auto Plus in 2007;

- MICHELIN Primacy Alpin 3: highly recommended by ADAC 2006 and 2007, performance equally recognized by AutoBild, O.A.M.T.C. and Stiftung Warentest;

- MICHELIN Latitude Alpin 3: 1st prize Auto Zeitung;

- MICHELIN X-Ice and MICHELIN X-Ice North (14 inches): 1st prize Za Rulem.

Categories: Emissions - Energy - Sustainable mobility - Vehicles

Keywords: CO2 - greenhouse gas - green tire - Tires - Transportation