Michelin aims to gain high-performance tire OE fitments

PARIS (April 11)—Groupe Michelin wants to capture half the world´s original equipment fitments for high-performance tires to help increase its share of the higher value-added performance and sport-utility vehicle tire categories. To reach its goal, Michelin is counting on the continued development of its C3M automated manufacturing system, which is in place at seven plants around the world and accounts for about 20 percent of the company´s V- and higher speed rated tires, company spokesmen told financial analysts attending a strategy briefing in Spain. To demonstrate the flexibility of C3M, senior Michelin executives answered questions in a deserted warehouse one evening, and the next morning, a fully functioning C3M manufacturing cell was installed in the same warehouse for a demonstration run for the analysts.