MICHELIN DEBUTS NEW WHEEL & TIRE CARE PROGRAM
Formulated to benefit all brands of tires and wheels
GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 8, 2005) – Michelin has introduced the first wheel and tire care products on the market to be developed for and approved by a leading tire manufacturer. This is the first time Michelin has recommended the use of such products on its tires. Debuting on retail shelves just in time for spring cleaning, the 3-Step Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program features strong yet environmentally responsible formulas that clean, rejuvenate and protect wheels and tires of any brand. Particularly important is a new patent-pending technology that works at the molecular level to shield wheels from corrosive and unsightly brake dust.
The Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program includes Michelin™ Wheel & Tire Cleaner, Michelin™ 3-in-1 Tire Shine and Michelin™ Brake Dust Repellent. When used together on a regular basis these products not only clean and protect wheels and tires but also increase time necessary between washing while making future cleanups easier. Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program products will be available in March at AutoZone and Canadian Tire Corporation stores, along with other select regional retailers. Manufacturer suggested retail prices for the individual products range from (USD) $4.99 to $5.99.
To engineer and manufacture its innovative product line, Michelin selected Fernandina Beach, Fla.-based Petroferm Inc., as its licensing partner. Petroferm is a privately held, environmentally conscious, specialty chemical manufacturer with deep expertise in designing and producing some of today's leading cleaning chemistries for companies like Boeing, NASA and 3M.
"Both Michelin and Petroferm have a passion for engineering products that set benchmarks for excellence, and the Wheel & Tire Care Program certainly meets that goal," said Michael Little, Petroferm marketing manager, Consumer Products. "Together we have created a product line that delivers on the promise of the Michelin brand by using new technology to create real-world consumer benefits like acid-free and anti-corrosive cleaning power."
"Michelin takes great care in advising consumers about the best way to care for their tires. Until now, we did not recommend using these types of products because we weren't totally comfortable about their effects on tires or the environment. We therefore decided to develop our own range, working with Petroferm. These products not only enhance the appearance of tires and wheels but condition, rejuvenate and protect them while avoiding any harm to either humans or the environment," said Chris Dawes, managing director, Michelin Lifestyle Limited.
Michelin Brake Dust Repellent
Brake dust, the soot generated by brake pads as they wear, isn't just ugly — it can be corrosive and can cause permanent damage if left on wheels too long. Michelin Brake Dust Repellent is the newest weapon in a car owner's auto care arsenal. With patent-pending technology not found in any other brake dust product, Michelin Brake Dust Repellent works at the molecular level to form a protective polymer barrier that prevents brake dust, dirt and grime from adhering to wheels and tires. When Michelin Brake Dust Repellent is applied regularly, wheels stay cleaner longer and future cleaning time is reduced. Each application lasts about two weeks. Michelin Brake Dust repellent is available in 15 oz. CFC-free, recyclable aerosol cans.
Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner
Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner provides peace of mind, especially for those who have invested in a set of expensive aftermarket wheels. Unlike other cleaners that use harsh acids, alkalis and detergents that can damage wheels and paint, Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner is acid-free. Its unique, neutral pH polymeric cleaning technology provides powerful cleaning properties to gently lift dirt while eliminating concern about corrosive overspray. For added cleaning power, free-rinsing polymers prevent the buildup of water spots. Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner will not irritate skin and is safe for all brands of wheels and tires. Regular use will make subsequent cleanings quicker and easier, particularly when combined with Michelin Brake Dust Repellent. Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner is available in 24 oz. easy-to-use, recyclable, plastic-trigger spray bottles.
Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine
Unlike other tire protectants, Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine is specially formulated to rejuvenate and protect tires, not just make them look good. It not only leaves an attractive, natural looking finish but conditions tires by restoring ingredients that keep tires from becoming brittle. Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine also shields tires from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and ground level ozone, which are known oxidants that may reduce tire strength and flexibility. Because harsh chemicals and solvents commonly found in other tire care products can accelerate tire aging, Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine contains no petroleum distillates or paraffinic hydrocarbons.
This ensures that it is safe for use on all brands of tires. Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine can also be used to polish and protect rubber and vinyl trim such as weather stripping, moldings and dashboards. Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine is available in 24 oz. easy-to-use, recyclable plastic, trigger-spray bottles.
Michelin will continue to widen its automotive accessories range with the introduction of high quality products aimed at improving mobility. Product launches over the coming months will include:
Inflation and pressure monitoring
Air compressors and air tools
Car mats
About Michelin
The world's largest tire maker, Michelin (www.michelin.com) 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 23,220 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.
About Petroferm, Inc.
Petroferm (www.petroferm.com) is a privately held specialty chemical manufacturer headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Fla. The company has more than 20 years experience in developing high-performance, environmentally responsible chemistries for aerospace, automotive appearance, cosmetics and personal care, electronics and other demanding markets. Petroferm has engineered and manufactured private-label products for some of the world's best-known consumer and industrial companies. The company is an official licensee of Michelin and the global supplier of Michelin automotive appearance products.
Formulated to benefit all brands of tires and wheels
GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 8, 2005) – Michelin has introduced the first wheel and tire care products on the market to be developed for and approved by a leading tire manufacturer. This is the first time Michelin has recommended the use of such products on its tires. Debuting on retail shelves just in time for spring cleaning, the 3-Step Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program features strong yet environmentally responsible formulas that clean, rejuvenate and protect wheels and tires of any brand. Particularly important is a new patent-pending technology that works at the molecular level to shield wheels from corrosive and unsightly brake dust.
The Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program includes Michelin™ Wheel & Tire Cleaner, Michelin™ 3-in-1 Tire Shine and Michelin™ Brake Dust Repellent. When used together on a regular basis these products not only clean and protect wheels and tires but also increase time necessary between washing while making future cleanups easier. Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program products will be available in March at AutoZone and Canadian Tire Corporation stores, along with other select regional retailers. Manufacturer suggested retail prices for the individual products range from (USD) $4.99 to $5.99.
To engineer and manufacture its innovative product line, Michelin selected Fernandina Beach, Fla.-based Petroferm Inc., as its licensing partner. Petroferm is a privately held, environmentally conscious, specialty chemical manufacturer with deep expertise in designing and producing some of today's leading cleaning chemistries for companies like Boeing, NASA and 3M.
"Both Michelin and Petroferm have a passion for engineering products that set benchmarks for excellence, and the Wheel & Tire Care Program certainly meets that goal," said Michael Little, Petroferm marketing manager, Consumer Products. "Together we have created a product line that delivers on the promise of the Michelin brand by using new technology to create real-world consumer benefits like acid-free and anti-corrosive cleaning power."
"Michelin takes great care in advising consumers about the best way to care for their tires. Until now, we did not recommend using these types of products because we weren't totally comfortable about their effects on tires or the environment. We therefore decided to develop our own range, working with Petroferm. These products not only enhance the appearance of tires and wheels but condition, rejuvenate and protect them while avoiding any harm to either humans or the environment," said Chris Dawes, managing director, Michelin Lifestyle Limited.
Michelin Brake Dust Repellent
Brake dust, the soot generated by brake pads as they wear, isn't just ugly — it can be corrosive and can cause permanent damage if left on wheels too long. Michelin Brake Dust Repellent is the newest weapon in a car owner's auto care arsenal. With patent-pending technology not found in any other brake dust product, Michelin Brake Dust Repellent works at the molecular level to form a protective polymer barrier that prevents brake dust, dirt and grime from adhering to wheels and tires. When Michelin Brake Dust Repellent is applied regularly, wheels stay cleaner longer and future cleaning time is reduced. Each application lasts about two weeks. Michelin Brake Dust repellent is available in 15 oz. CFC-free, recyclable aerosol cans.
Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner
Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner provides peace of mind, especially for those who have invested in a set of expensive aftermarket wheels. Unlike other cleaners that use harsh acids, alkalis and detergents that can damage wheels and paint, Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner is acid-free. Its unique, neutral pH polymeric cleaning technology provides powerful cleaning properties to gently lift dirt while eliminating concern about corrosive overspray. For added cleaning power, free-rinsing polymers prevent the buildup of water spots. Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner will not irritate skin and is safe for all brands of wheels and tires. Regular use will make subsequent cleanings quicker and easier, particularly when combined with Michelin Brake Dust Repellent. Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner is available in 24 oz. easy-to-use, recyclable, plastic-trigger spray bottles.
Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine
Unlike other tire protectants, Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine is specially formulated to rejuvenate and protect tires, not just make them look good. It not only leaves an attractive, natural looking finish but conditions tires by restoring ingredients that keep tires from becoming brittle. Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine also shields tires from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and ground level ozone, which are known oxidants that may reduce tire strength and flexibility. Because harsh chemicals and solvents commonly found in other tire care products can accelerate tire aging, Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine contains no petroleum distillates or paraffinic hydrocarbons.
This ensures that it is safe for use on all brands of tires. Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine can also be used to polish and protect rubber and vinyl trim such as weather stripping, moldings and dashboards. Michelin 3-in-1 Tire Shine is available in 24 oz. easy-to-use, recyclable plastic, trigger-spray bottles.
Michelin will continue to widen its automotive accessories range with the introduction of high quality products aimed at improving mobility. Product launches over the coming months will include:
Inflation and pressure monitoring
Air compressors and air tools
Car mats
About Michelin
The world's largest tire maker, Michelin (www.michelin.com) 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 23,220 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.
About Petroferm, Inc.
Petroferm (www.petroferm.com) is a privately held specialty chemical manufacturer headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Fla. The company has more than 20 years experience in developing high-performance, environmentally responsible chemistries for aerospace, automotive appearance, cosmetics and personal care, electronics and other demanding markets. Petroferm has engineered and manufactured private-label products for some of the world's best-known consumer and industrial companies. The company is an official licensee of Michelin and the global supplier of Michelin automotive appearance products.
