DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A tire designed for exceptional levels
of fuel-efficiency while inspiring a confident driving experience all-year
round, the MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire is set to deliver
consumers an environmentally friendly performance package that is
unprecedented in the industry. The tire will be unveiled at the 2009 North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January and consumers will be
able to purchase the tire this summer.

    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090112/CLM035 )

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040818/MICHELIN )

    The MICHELIN Energy Saver All-Season tire represents a synthesis of all
Michelin's skills and expertise in tire engineering and design. Fuel
savings are combined with superior grip and safety, as well as long tread
life and all-season performance.

    The technology engineered into the MICHELIN Energy Saver All-Season
tire is the result of more than 16 years of Michelin's research and
development in the area of rolling resistance. With the new Energy Saver
All-Season tire, Michelin engineers were able to achieve and deliver
increased fuel-efficiency by decreasing the levels of rolling resistance --
or energy loss in the tire. For the consumer, this equates to increased
fuel-efficiency, while maintaining other key tire features that are most
important to everyday driving.

    "During these trying economic times, it is essential that we provide
consumers with a product that is long-lasting, good for the environment and
a smart investment," said Florent Menegaux, president of Michelin's
worldwide passenger car and light truck tire business and a member of the
Michelin Group Executive Council. "The Michelin Energy Saver All-Season
tire provides the solution that consumers are looking for. It's everything
you would expect from a Michelin and more."

    The MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire will launch with
Michelin's "Green X" symbol on the sidewall, indicating to consumers a
level of increased fuel-efficency.

    The MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire is one of the first
all-season tires in the industry that combines low levels of rolling
resistance with exceptional treadlife, wet braking and all-season
performance. It will be targeted at consumers with passenger car vehicles
who drive less than 10,000 miles per year and appreciate the environmental
benefit of the Energy Saver All-Season tire.

    Tires can reduce a vehicle's environmental impact by reducing the
amount of energy needed to move the tires forward (rolling resistance) and
Michelin has reached new heights of performance with the Michelin Energy
Saver All-Season tire.

    Another energy-efficient product being launched this year -- with
Michelin's "Green X" marking -- is the MICHELIN(R) HydroEdge(R) tire, a
familiar name to Michelin and its longest lasting passenger tire line in
the world.

    The HydroEdge tire is Michelin's premier passenger tire offering an
outstanding 90,000-mile manufacture's limited warranty, modern aesthetics,
and better wet braking than the competition*. The HydroEdge tire is the
most fuel-efficient tire in the category thanks to EnergySaver
Construction(TM). A silica-based compound and wide center-groove design,
along with MaxTouch Construction(TM) create a sure-grip tread, helping
HydroEdge tires stop up to 14 feet shorter in wet weather conditions versus
the competition.*

    Originally introduced in 2003, the MICHELIN(R) HydroEdge(R) large
passenger car/mini-van tire line led the market in longest treadlife and
wet braking performance. Through constant innovation, the rolling
resistance has been decreased and now, the newest generation of the
HydroEdge tire is even more fuel-efficient than the previous generation.

    Michelin offers consumers a wide variety of fuel efficient tires that
save money and help protect the environment. In the case of the MICHELIN(R)
Energy Saver All-Season and the Michelin HydroEdge, each product will have
very low environmental impact either through very low rolling resistance or
a very long treadlife.

    In the United States, where Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
standards have been enforced by the National Highway Traffic & Safety
Administration (NHTSA) since the mid-1970s, Michelin has supported its
vehicle manufacturer customers in reaching these CAFE standards by
providing low rolling resistance tires that do not compromise other key
performances such as traction and wet handling. CAFE standards are focused
on improving the fuel economy of passenger vehicles, which in turn lowers
CO2 emissions.

    The MICHELIN(R) Energy Saver All-Season tire and the MICHELIN(R)
HydroEdge tire will join the existing line of fuel-efficient passenger car
and light-truck tires designed to equip a wide range of vehicles and
driving applications. Each is marked with Michelin's "Green X" symbol.
Michelin has displayed the "Green X" label on the sidewalls of its energy
efficient tires since 1992. It is a visual way to signal to consumers a
tire that reduces fuel consumption, while delivering exceptional mileage
and enhanced safety attributes.

    *compared to the Goodyear Assurance line

    About Michelin

    Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin 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, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases.
Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (
http://www.michelinman.com ) employs more than 22,300 and operates 19 major
manufacturing plants in 17 locations