DETROIT (Jan. 5, 2004) — Honda North America Inc. and Nissan North America Inc. each will equip a 2005 model year vehicle with Group Michelin's Pax run-flat tire-wheel system, according to Michelin North America Inc.
The vehicles were not identified, nor did Michelin say whether the fitments will be standard or optional. Michelin will produce the non-standard tires—which are coupled with non-standard rims with a bead-locking feature—at one of its plants in Columbia, S.C.
Besides establishing Pax tire production in the U.S., Michelin said it is planning an aftermarket service network throughout North America to support the growing number of Pax-equipped vehicles.
To date, the only Pax-equipped car available in North America is the Rolls Royce Phantom; in Europe the system is available on Renault Scenic, Audi A8 and A6 and the Bugatti Veyron.