GREENVILLE, S.C. (March 9, 2005) — Michelin North America Inc. has licensed a Florida specialty chemical manufacturer to make a line of Michelin-branded wheel and tire care products, which will be marketed through AutoZone auto parts stores in the U.S. and Canadian Tire Corp. outlets in Canada.
The debut of the 3-Step Michelin Wheel & Tire Care Program marks the the first time Michelin has recommended the use of such products on its tires, the Greenville-based tire maker said.
“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,” said Chris Dawes, managing director, Michelin Lifestyle Ltd., a unit of Group Michelin created in 2001 to to extend its brand recognition into new markets.
The range of products feature “strong yet environmentally responsible formulas” that clean, rejuvenate and protect wheels and tires of any brand, Michelin said. Among the products is brake dust repellant based on patent-pending technology that works at the molecular level to shield wheels from corrosive and unsightly brake dust.
The product program also includes a wheel and tire cleaner and a tire shine spray, each available at suggested retail prices of $4.99 to $5.99, Michelin said.
Michelin said it chose Petroferm Inc. of Fernandina Beach, Fla., a privately held, environmentally conscious, specialty chemical manufacturer, to make the products because of its expertise in designing and producing cleaning chemistries for companies like Boeing Corp., NASA and 3M Co.
Specifically, the products are: Michelin Brake Dust repellent, available in 15-oz. CFC-free, recyclable aerosol cans and Michelin Wheel & Tire Cleaner and 3-in-1 Tire Shine, each available in 24-oz. recyclable, plastic-trigger spray bottles.
Previously, Michelin Lifestyle licensed a line of wiper blades and footwear.