GREENVILLE, S.C., — Michelin North America Inc. said its CrossClimate2 tire portfolio now fits 76% of the best-selling automobiles and crossover vehicles in today's market, after adding 30 sizes to the product's lineup.
Michelin called the all-season tire, which originally was released in 25 sizes last August, its "biggest passenger tire innovation in 20 years," with the expansion making it available to a large segment of North American drivers.
At a virtual introduction of the tire last year, Michelin Chairman and President Alexis Garcin said the product "will completely redefine the all-season category."
According to the tire maker, the CrossClimate2's V-formation tread pattern works with the tire's rubber compound to deliver multiple attributes, including:
- Wet performance: Michelin said the tire performs well in wet conditions even when worn;
- Longer lasting: Michelin claims the tire can provide up to 15,000 extra miles than some leading competitors. The product includes a 60,000-mile warranty;
- Dry grip: The CrossClimate2 stops up to 16 feet shorter on dry pavement in a test against competitors;
- Snow performance: The tire has the 3-peak mountain snowflake rating, delivering improved traction in snow conditions; and
- Noise: Michelin said it used PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning to design a tread with blocks and angles that minimize "harmonic" road noise and create ideal amplitude for the contact patch, creating a quieter ride.
The company touted the tagline "Grips to the last stop" because even in wet conditions, CrossClimate2 tires worn down to 3/32nd-inch in tread depth still demonstrated shorter braking distances versus competitors' all-season tires.
