GREENVILLE, S.C. (Feb. 13, 2004) — Michelin North America Inc. introduced two new winter tires it said improve braking, traction and handling for passenger cars, vans, light trucks and sport-utility vehicles.
The Michelin X-Ice for passenger cars will be available to consumers in August in 39 sizes, ranging from 13- to 17-inch diameters. The Michelin Latitude X-Ice for light trucks and SUVs will be available at the same time in 10 sizes in 15- to 16-inch diameters. Authorized Michelin dealers in the U.S. will begin taking deliveries in July.
“Michelin X-Ice and Latitude X-Ice tires are manufactured with our latest generation rubber compound and siping technologies,” said Sheryl Henderson, Michelin brand director.
The tire features the company's Adaptive Progressive Stiffness (APS) rubber technology that helps improve traction by providing the required flexibility where the tread surface comes in contact with the road. The technology allows the rubber compound to progressively soften at the road's surface while remaining rigid near the tire belt, Greenville-based Michelin said.