GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 24, 2004) — Michelin North America Inc. has extended the Michelin brand into other automotive accessories with a line of high-performance wiper blades, the tire maker said.
Michelin Lifestyle Ltd. has launched a wiper blade line that initially will be distributed in 1,250 Target Corp. stores nationwide plus in other retailers such as Blain's Farm & Fleet(33 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa) and Strauss Discount Auto (100 stores in New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania).
More automotive retailers in the U.S. and Mexico will join the ranks in the coming weeks, Michelin said.
Comparing the wiper blades to its HydroEdge wet tire, Michelin said the blades are designed to ensure maximum durability and pressure on the windshield for better cleaning plus they have a rubber compound designed for quality and performance. The wiper blades, launched under the Michelin brand, were developed by Pylon Manufacturing Corp., a Michelin licensing partner in Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Michelin said it plans to launch more products in the coming months. They include wheel and tire care products, car mats, safety and protective footwear and bicycling accessories. The company also recently launched jacks and jack stands.