When you mention Michelin tires immediately, the brand mascot comes to mind. Growing up seeing the round, rubbery man in adverts helping keep families on the road safely has made a neuro pathway connection that says – Michelin is the best, the safest, and most reliable tire on the market. I tend to agree and believe that statement to be accurate, and the reason for that is the incredible track record of the tire giant over the last 125 years of its existence. The fact that they are top-quality tires is actual, and we will be looking at why they are so good, and what it is that makes them expensive.
Michelin tires are expensive because they use the best materials, innovative technology, and manufacturing processes. Their tires guarantee fuel efficiency and overall safety standards that are unmatched. Michelin is more expensive than other tire brands due to its higher quality and extensive warranty.
Buying a set of tires for a car is something you need to think about only every 45000 to 60 000 miles depending on your driving conditions, the way you drive the vehicle, breaking, and the tires’ alignment and balancing. Since it’s not something that needs to be attended to monthly, it can come as a bit of shock when you need to replace all four simultaneously.
To me, tires are the most critical four units on the car after the breaks and oil. They are the only four things that make contact with the road and keep you securely gripped to the asphalt. With that safety feature in mind, it makes sense that you would want to buy the very best technology in a tire. Michelin has you covered.
The Evolution Of Michelin
The motor industry predicts that the number of vehicles currently on the road will double by the year 2050. That is an astronomical amount of cars, and each of those needs at least two tires. Pressure on large corporations to reduce their carbon footprint has taken them back to the drawing board to design more environmentally friendly products. Michelin, as a company, has taken this very seriously, and it is evident in the final product.
Since their creation in 1889, the Michelin brothers pushed the envelope; they were not happy with the second-best. Their first challenge came with the pneumatic bicycle tire. In 1891 they took out a patent on the first glue-free, removable pneumatic tire, and it was used by Charles Terront to win the world’s longest bicycle race from Paris to Brest and back to Paris.
Michelin introduced the first run-flat tire in 1934. Twelve years later, in 1946, Michelin made history by developing and immediately patenting what would become known as the “X” or Radial tire. This tire had Citroen in mind, and its popularity spread throughout Europe fast. Michelin moved into America in 1968 and quickly made waves. In 1970 they were awarded a contract to supply tires for the Continental MK III. This would become the first American car to be fitted with Radial or “X” tires.
During 1989 Michelin absorbed BF Goodrich and Uniroyal. This purchase included a vital plant that was already supplying tires to The United States Space Shuttle Program. In December 2018, Michelin bought a company called Camso, specializing in the manufacture of off-road tires and various agricultural items and sports equipment. On top of this, they have controlling shares in Taurus Tire in Hungary and Kormoran in Poland.
This means that since 2008, Michelin has been the largest tire manufacturer in the world and, to date, has produced nearly 200 million tires. With very few recalls, this is the loudest testimony of the quality and consistency you can expect from the company.
The Science Behind Michelin
For Michelin as a company, there is only one thing that matters, and that is safety. Since the prediction is that the number of cars on the road is to double in volume by the year 2050, it makes sense that their outlook is to make sure that vehicles are as safe as possible. Besides the apparent advances in vehicle technology and greener innovations, tire development is still the contributing factor that drives Michelin to be better than yesterday. When it comes to safety and tires, Michelin is a significant role player.
As a group and company, Michelin is very aware of the environment, hence their focus and push to be more environmentally friendly while still maintaining a top level of production. Energy efficiency is the challenge, and Michelin works very closely with automotive manufacturers in design, adaptation, and advancement. Hybrid vehicles are the future, and Michelin will be the tire for the car.
Michelin has responded to this by working on choosing the best application materials, construction and production of the tires, and the tires’ weight. These aspects have the full attention and power of Michelin driving their innovation and conceptualization. Since Michelin produces 70% of available tires in Clermont-Ferrand, France, it made sense that they developed what is currently the most extensive research manufacturing complexes in the world.
It is known as the Ladoux Technology Centre. For 50 years, it has been the heart of Michelin’s research and development work and is situated on 450 hectares of land. A record of 350 different professions initially brought 3300 people together working in 79 buildings. Ladoux has 43 km of tracks specially built for on-site tire testing.
Michelin group started the development of URBALAB, which became operational in 2018. This is an on-site global RDI laboratory where 1600 workstations are housed. It is situated inside a 7-hectare uber-modern building at Ladoux. Here they have the very best research laboratories using cutting-edge technology to develop the next best application in tire advancement and new materials.
URBALAB has become a benchmark for research and development in the tire manufacturing world. The magnitude of innovative areas and the pooling of expertise is unmatched. The reason for that is that they can test their 15 000 prototype tires right there, get the data immediately, and instantly make changes. Almost 2 billion kilometers in testing is covered on the 43 km tracks every year or traveling around the world every 12 minutes. It is evident that Michelin is serious about the environment, serious about research and innovation, and very serious about your safety.
Primary Activities At URBALAB
Michelin has a considerable number of full-time employees working full time, and they currently employ 127 000 staff across the world. At the new facility, they have more than 6000 professionals, researchers, engineers, scientists, and other staff across 31 sectors that work together to give you the very best product on the shelf. They have primary functions at the Ladoux plant, so let’s have a look at their day to day tasks;
- Rubber tree genome testing
- Designing of new materials to use in tire design
- On-site track testing
- Development of various prototype compounds
- Development and manufacture of prototype molds and tires
- Stress tests
- Vehicle safety simulation tests
- Vehicle logistics and maintenance
- Future simulations
As the industry evolves, so does the plant at Michelin. Due to the continuous modernization of vehicles, roads, and tires, a large portion of Michelin’s budget is spent on research, development, and industrialization. Michelins R&D budget was €687 million in 2019. This is one way they are able to slash the usual 56 months of development down to 36 months, like with the MICHELIN Cross Climate tire.
Michelin is not only spending money on tire development; they invest in their staff and encourage skills development. After all, human beings are at the helm of tire design, development, and execution. They have a very ergonomic approach and believe in skills transfer within the RDI global network.
“ In the Michelin of tomorrow, everything will be sustainable, ” FLORENT MENEGAUX CEO.
Current Trends And Challenges
Solid Fundamentals In Tires
- New Geographic Order
- Specialties – The expanding of profitable markets
During the AGM in 2020, new challenges were discussed at the Michelin table. Just how many times can you re-design the wheel? How many more prototypes before the suitable material is found? Because demographics drives global tire demands, other things like travel, trade, and economic growth – Michelin projects the need for tires to grow by 5-10% in new markets and 1-2% in existing markets.
Asia is offering many alternatives in the tire market, so the competition is aggressive, especially from China, responsible for 30% of all cars produced, more than half of electric vehicles worldwide, and 99% of all-electric buses sold worldwide.
Hydrogen-Powered Electric Mobility – A Brighter Future
The active exploration of Hydrogen for transportation is currently a race. The state of California committed to having 40 000 hydrogen-powered cars on the road in 2022. Japan committed to 800 000 by 2030, and China committed to 1 million vehicles. Michelin is actively involved in the R&D industry.
The Flexible Composite Market
This niche market in the biomedical, aeronautical, aerospace, and automotive markets sees opportunities to create various new applications and advance technology. This market is currently worth $220 billion.
3D Metal Printing
This is a manufacturing revolution, expected to grow to $11 billion in 2024. Printer sales are expected to increase by at least 20% due to the higher demand in the motor and aerospace sectors.
The Vision Concept Tire – The Future Vision Of Mobility
The Vision tire is a very robust, light airless 3D printed tire. It is comprised of primarily recycled biomaterials. The Vision tire can have its tread recharged when needed using a 3D printer.
Designed by the Michelins R&D team, it is protected by 19 patents. This tire is the proverbial poster child for Reduce/Reuse/Renew/Recycle.
More Rubber – Less Environmental Impact
Due to the enormous amount of tires that Michelin produces each year, it is just sensible that they would want to source and grow rubber sustainably. Michelin is committed to sustainable farming and the redeveloping of habitats.
The Zero Emission Challenge
Michelin is the world’s leading and benchmark manufacturer of the best energy-efficient tires. These low-rolling-resistance technologies in the tires help prevent 7.3 million tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.
Michelin Tire Development
During 2019 Michelin saw several new tire designs; below, we briefly look at some of the latest innovations they brought to the 2020/21 market;
- Michelin Uptis – The Uptis is an airless car tire; its main aim is to prevent punctures, blowouts, and the need to do air pressure checks constantly. Fitting fleet vehicles with a Uptis range will eliminate the need for air stops, and there is no use or need for a spare tire.
- Michelin Pilot Sport EV2 – This tire promises high performance in any situation. They are designed for Formula E racers in mind; whether it’s intensely hot, freezing temperatures, rain, or wind, they perform equally well. These tires apply critical technologies designed for motorsport.
- Michelin X-InCity Energy Z – This is the first tire of its size capable of handling a load of 8 tons per axle. They were designed with clean energy in mind and for the electric bus.
- Michelin PresSense Smart Tire – This is the first tire of its kind globally and was designed in conjunction with Safran Landing Systems to be interactive and connected to the aircraft assisting with pre and post-flight checks.
It is not hard to see why Michelin stays at the top of the tire design, development, and manufacturing. Using cutting-edge technologies keeps Michelin ahead of the competition. Cheap tires aren’t good and exceptional tires should not be cheap.
Top 5 Michelin Tires
All Season Tires
- CrossClimate®2 – A Luxury Performance Touring tire. All-weather tire, wet or dry. 3PMSF snow traction certified. A 6 year and 60 000 miles limited warranty.
- CrossClimate® SUV – A SUV/Crossover tire. Best traction in wet or dry conditions. It is 3PMSF snow traction certified. It carries a 6 year and 50 000 miles limited warranty.
Winter Tires
- X-Ice® Xi3 – Luxury Performance Touring/Sedan/Minivan tires. A very fuel-efficient tire with a tread that lasts long. Superb handling in snow. A 6 year and 40 000 miles limited warranty.
- Latitude® Alpin®- A SUV/ Crossover tire. A quiet and smooth tire, giving excellent traction in wet and snowy weather. A 6 year and 25 000 miles limited warranty.
Premier Tire Family
- MICHELIN® PREMIER™ A/S – A luxury performance sedan/ Minivan tire. Shorter stopping distance and more extraordinary handling in all conditions using EverGrip technology.
- MICHELIN® PREMIER™ LTX™ – A SUV/Crossover all-weather tire. They are designed for hydroplaning resistance and shorter braking distances. Its extreme amount of silica compound in the EverGrip technology provides the vehicle exceptional gripping ability.
Sport Performance Tires
- MICHELIN® Pilot® Sport All Season 4 – A supercar certified tire. Giving 5% better wet braking and 10% more traction in snow. A 6 year and 45000-mile limited warranty.
- MICHELIN® Pilot® Super Sport – Ultra high-performance sport tire.Rated as the best street performance tire available. 12% better handling and tread that lasts twice as long. A 6 year 30 000 mile limited warranty.
Fuel-Efficient Tires
- MICHELIN Energy™ Saver A/S – A passenger car/Minivan tire. Rated as the best fuel-saving, all-weather tire in the range. Ultra-long tread life. Safe in all seasons. A 6 year 65 000 mile limited warranty.
- MICHELIN Energy™ Saver – A luxury performance/ touring tire.
Price And Warranty
To get a better idea of the price range of Michelin tires, we look at four tires from different ranges, and then we compare the prices with a similar range from Goodyear
. This should give an excellent overview of the differences.
MICHELIN
| TIRE | PRICE | RATING | WARRANTEE |
| Michelin LTX® A/T2 | $ 338.99 | 4.6-star rating | 6 year 60 000 mi limited warranty |
| Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 | $ 891.99 | 5 star rating | 6 year 20 000 mi limited warranty |
| Michelin CrossClimate®2 | $ 231.99 | 4.7-star rating | 6 year 60 000 mi limited warranty |
| Michelin Latitude® Alpin® | $ 402.99 | 4.7-star rating | 6 year 25 000 mi limited warranty |
GOODYEAR
| TIRE | PRICE FROM | RATING | WARRANTEE |
| Goodyear Wrangler® All-Terrain Adventure With Kevlar | $ 147.00 | **** and half stars | 60 000 mi limited |
| Goodyear Eagle® Exhilarate | $ 143.00 | ***** stars | 45 000 mi limited |
| Goodyear Assurance® All-Season | $ 75.00 | **** stars | 65 000 mi limited |
| Goodyear WinterCommand® | $ 87.00 | ***** stars | N/A |
From the comparison, Michelin is between 50% and 100% more expensive than a Goodyear counterpart. Although they give similarly limited warrantees, it seems that Michelin adds the six years as well.
Why Michelin Then?
It is by now apparent that buying a set of Michelin tires is going to cost you significantly more than other brands. Michelin boasts the most extensive R&D center in the tire industry, and what they do there is why you should fit your car, truck, SUV, or Minivan with a set.
If their general track record has not yet convinced you about the reason for their prices, let us look at a few more essential factors;
- Long-Lasting Performance- Michelin tires offer you unprecedented safety and a tread life that can last two times longer than competitors. Shorter braking distances when you need it. Control and exceptional handling in wet, off-road, and snow conditions.
- Sustainability – Michelin aims to be the leader in six areas of their business. Customer satisfaction is high on the list—their employees’ personal wellbeing. Making sure the company does well financially. Growing Michelin in the product performance arena. They are aiming to use less natural products and improve fuel efficiency, therefore, being a responsible manufacturer by setting a very high industry standard and ensuring development in the communities where they live, work, and farm.
- Acoustic Technology – Michelins acoustic technology reduces cabin noise significantly, giving you a better driving experience overall. It can be a reduction of as much as 20%, even when driving on rough terrain.
- Self-seal Technology – This technology self-seals a puncture of up to 6mm, and is guaranteed not to leave you stranded by the roadside. Similar to a run-flat-tire.
- The Official Tire Of Gran Turismo – Michelin has been the official tire of Gran Turismo since 2019. They are also the official tire tech partner uniting gaming, cars, and enthusiasts,
- The Official Tire Of IMSA – Michelin has been the official tire for IMSA racing since 2019. This is an endurance racing sport.
- Tires In Motorsport – Michelin is involved in all levels and motorsport classes, including MOTOGP/FIA Formula E/ FIA WEC/24 Hour DU MANS/FIA WRC.
- TrackConnect- Special tires developed in conjunction with an intelligent app that help you better your driving skills. The tires are fitted with real-time sensors feeding instant information to a tiny receiver powered by the cigarette lighter unit. The phone app gives you recommendations before, during, and after your drive. It’s so advanced it’s like having a Michelin engineer as a passenger.
At Michelin, they take the boring out of rubber and make it a desirable product. Something that you must have because it IS better, it looks better, and it performs better than any other tire on the market.
Michelin has built some significant brand associations over the last few decades. They are also the same Michelin that hand out the coveted Michelin Star Rating to restaurants around the world. To be a Michelin-rated restaurant means you’ve arrived, you’ve done the hard work, and now you’re being rewarded.
Michelin manufactures three of the world’s most expensive tires in different areas of industry;
- Bugatti – One of the fastest cars globally, the Bugatti Veyron is officially fitted with Michelin. Special tires were designed for the supercar, and they are the Michelin Pilot Sport PAX 245/690 R520 on the front and the 365/710 R540 on the back. These tires can keep the mighty Veyron Super Sport stable at 431 km per hour. These tires cost $ 10 000 each.
- Space Shuttle – Costing around $5500 each, these single-use tires are pumped with nitrogen.
- Caterpillar – Michelin makes 59/80R63 XDR the tires for the gigantic 797 dump trucks usually used on mines. Each tire weighs around 5.3 tons and carries a price tag of $ 42 500 a unit.
Conclusion
Given a chance, everyone wants to save a few dollars where possible. It’s not common for people to buy the cheapest tires from the floor or often retreads. Once you understand the incredible importance of purchasing the very best tire you can afford, it makes sense. When it comes down to your safety, the tires are one of your vehicle’s most critical components.
The brakes stop the wheels turning, but it’s the tire’s grip that will bring your car to a standstill.
Between your car and the road is the tire. And that’s all that is holding your car on the road. A surface that is about the size of a large hand makes contact with the driving surface. Here is where everything matters, acceleration, traction, braking, and steering. Even a Bugatti Veyron cannot grip the road without the tires made for it. If you took the time to choose the car you drive, then you should take the time to select your tire carefully.
Michelin makes expensive tires because they use the best of everything, from raw materials to the latest technology.
You deserve the best tire when you are on the road. Although they might be costlier at first, you will have the added benefit of fuel-saving over the tires’ lifespan.
If Bugatti, The Space Shuttle, and Caterpillar trust Michelin with tires, it would be safe to conclude you can trust them with your vehicle no matter what the cost.