Sears, Michelin mark 50-year relationship

Tire Business staff
(Michelin North America Inc. photo)
An original ad from 1965 for the Allstate Radial.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (July 30, 2015) — The iconic Michelin and Sears brands are celebrating a 50-year business relationship that Michelin North America Inc. claims has resulted in Sears, Roebuck & Co.'s selling more Michelin tires than any other retailer.

The magic number is 135 million sold, according to Michelin, in a half-decade pact that has seen a number of milestones, including Sears' being “instrumental in bringing radial tires to U.S. customers in 1965.”

That's when the tire maker said it signed an agreement to sell Michelin radial tires under the Allstate trademark, even before Michelin opened its first manufacturing plants in North America.

“Fifty years ago Sears and Michelin took a big risk together when they signed a treaty to sell radial tires in the U.S.,” said Scott Clark, chief operating officer of Greenville-based MNA's passenger and light truck tire division.

“The radial tire technology, which was yet to be proven in the U.S., helped consumers experience tires that lasted twice as long as bias-ply tires, and were more fuel-efficient and comfortable.”

Mr. Clark called the partnership with Sears “a long and successful one for both of our companies, and we look forward to continuing to sell our Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal tires at Sears in the future.”

(Michelin North America Inc. photo)

Michelin's Scott Clark (left) and Sears' Brian Kaner mark a 50-year relationship between the two companies.

Brian Kaner, who leads Sears Holdings' Automotive business, said the company's auto centers are “proud to have sold more Michelin tires than any other retailer.

“Together over the past 50 years, Michelin and Sears have seen many changes in the auto industry, the nation's highway system and the cars people drive,” he said. “But one thing has been constant — Sears Auto has been there to help Americans maintain their vehicles, including providing innovative and high-quality tires from Michelin and its brands.

“We're excited to mark this special occasion with our teams at Sears and Michelin. In today's competitive marketplace, two teams working together for 50 years truly is a significant accomplishment.”

The two companies will mark the anniversary with a number of promotions and special events throughout the months of July and August, according to a Michelin press release, including an online sweepstakes where one Sears Shop Your Way member will win a four-year lease of a Chevrolet Camaro.

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