michelin pilot sport 3

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MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 3

Press KitFebruary 2010

Media Relations: + 44 (0)1782 402341


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Contents

Fact sheet 1 (Summary) page 3On-road, environmental and technological performance: a winning trio with thenew MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

Fact sheet 2 (Focus on a unique combination of qualities) page 4MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3: a unique balance between driving enjoyment, safetyand longevity

Fact sheet 3 (Focus on innovative technologies) page 6Innovative materials, design and architecture for the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

Fact sheet 4 (Focus on the tyres rich heritage) page 10From the racetrack to the road, the prestigious pedigree of the MICHELIN PilotSport 3

Fact sheet 5 (Focus on a world in motion) page 11MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3, enhanced driving sensations in a fast-developingmarket

Appendix I page 12MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 Sizes

Appendix II page 13Michelin facts and figures

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Fact Sheet 1(Summary)

On-road, environmental and technological performance: awinning trio with the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

Michelin has launched the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3, the only tyre to combineoutstanding on-road performance with environmental features that are unrivalled inits category.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 delivers superior grip. On wet surfaces, it holds the roadbetter when cornering and stops three metres shorter* than its predecessor, thereigning benchmark sports tyre**. In addition, the new tyre provides highly precisesteering for an enjoyable driving experience. Thats why MICHELIN can say that itsnew high-performance tyre delivers enhanced driving sensations. Whats more,unlike any other sports tyre, it also boasts outstanding fuel efficiency and extended

mileage among its dynamic qualities.Intended for a wide variety of vehicle categories, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 issuitable for sporty hatchbacks and large, powerful saloons as well as small sportscars, such as roadsters and coupes, with the extra-large 18 to 19-inch range servingas optional equipment on non-sporting models. In automotive industry terms, the tyrewill cover every vehicle segment from class A to E1.

In addition to this broad range of applications, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 isdesigned to be a truly global tyre. The tyre is being introduced in early 2010 inreplacement markets around the world South America, Europe, Africa, the Pacific

and Asia and will be launched in North America one year later. Importantly, the newMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 has already been certified by several car manufacturerseven though dealer sales are only just starting. Some carmakers have approved thetyre for use on their signature sports car models, such as the new Audi A5 and thenew Mercedes E 63 AMG. This promising start attests to the all-round excellence of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3.

Michelins latest car tyre is a good illustration of the Groups strategy, which is never to sacrifice one performance feature for another. This means improving performancein several different areas simultaneously, a prerequisite to making any real progress.To achieve this balance, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 has been built with unique,highly advanced technologies, such as the Green Power Compound, the Anti Surf System and Programmed Distortion tyre architecture, all developed at Michelins ownTechnology Center.

*Test performed in 2009 by independent technical services firm TV SD Automotive on size 245/40 ZR 18 Ytyres.**The MICHELIN Pilot Sport range is certified for use on more than 200 models.



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Fact Sheet 2(Focus on a unique combination of qualities)

MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3: a unique balance between drivingenjoyment, safety and longevity

Enjoyable driving without any of the drawbacks may seem like a dream, but with theMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 its a dream come true.

The tyre was designed to provide superior driving sensations. While some mayconsider driving to be a subjective experience, for Michelin its a hard-and-fast reality.The fact is that the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 delivers highly precise steering, whichenables the driver to maintain perfect control at all times and know exactly how thecar will respond to the slightest turn of the steering wheel.

This pleasurable driving experience is coupled with safety. Statistics gathered in

Europe show that accidents tend to occur during changing weather conditions. Whentyre grip weakens, cornering and braking become critical safety issues. Leveragingunique technologies (see page 6 ), the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 provides superior gripand traction on wet roads. According to a comparative study by the independentGerman technical services firm TV SV Automotive, the newMICHELIN PilotSport 3 delivers better grip when cornering and brakes three metres shorter*than its predecessor , which has long been recognised by carmakers for its road-holding capabilities**. This is clear proof of the superior performance of the newgeneration of Michelin tyres.

These qualities are part of the package that makes the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 a

responsible sports tyre, since it enhances enjoyment without introducing any risk.However, the package would not be complete without the added advantage of energy efficiency. Thats because the true technological challenge in tyre design is toimprove performance across the board.

The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 meets this challenge by providing enhancedsafety while also reducing fuel consumption. This benefits not only the carsowner, who saves money, but also the environment, since CO 2 emissions arereduced accordingly. In addition to its energy efficiency, the MICHELIN PilotSport 3 increases mileage by a remarkable 10% compared with the MICHELINPilot Sport PS2, which was until now the benchmark for mileage in its category***.This performance has the positive effect of reducing raw materials consumption. Inother words, fewer tyres will need to be manufactured to cover a given distance andfewer end-of-life tyres will need to be disposed of.

*Test comparing the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 and the MICHELIN Pilot Sport PS2 carried out in 2009 on size245/40 ZR 18 Y tyres.**The MICHELIN Pilot Sport range is certified by carmakers for use on more than 200 models.***In-house tests performed on the size 225/45 ZR 17 91 Y tyre.



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To attest to this energy efficiency Michelin displays its GREEN X marking on thetyres sidewalls.

All in all, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 delivers a winning trio, simultaneously

enhancing safety, driving enjoyment and environmental performance.In combining these features, Michelin has effectively addressed the needs of sportsvehicle users. In 2008, Institut TNS Sofres conducted a qualitative survey of morethan 100 individual sport car owners in Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy. Thesurvey clearly showed that consumers expect three things from their tyres. Theywant to enjoy driving without sacrificing safety or having to replace tyres too often.

Defining these needs seems easy enough, but incorporating the right solutions into asingle tyre like the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 represents a formidable high-techchallenge. Michelin has met that challenge thanks to a number of innovations.



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Fact Sheet 3(Focus on innovative technologies)

Innovative materials, design and architecture for theMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

To ensure that the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 delivers enhanced safety on wetroads, steering precision on dry roads and long tread life, Michelins Research andDevelopment teams have created an integrated product based on technologicalachievements in the areas of materials, shape and tyre architecture.

First, Michelin has developed the Green Power Compound , a unique rubber formula that for the first time combines the three above-mentioned technologicalinnovations. The new compound is designed to ensure the best possible grip on wetroads.

Second, Michelin has created the Anti Surf System , a specially shaped shoulder that evacuates large volumes of water ( see p.8 for details ).

Lastly, Michelin has invented theProgrammed Distortion Tyre architecture system(see p. 8 and 9 for details ). This innovation improves steering precision while at thesame time increasing tread life.

The Green Power Compound delivers superior wet grip, fuel efficiencyand mileage

To get to the heart of the

matter, this magnified viewof the MICHELIN PilotSport 3 rubber compoundreveals three innovativefeatures integrated for thefirst time in a tyre in thiscategory, each of whichplays a specific role:

- The molecular chainillustrated in red in theimage corresponds to anewly developed elastomer that improves wet grip.

- The blue chains alsocorrespond to a unique

elastomer, which in this case lengthens tread life.- Silica particles are shown in green. Integrated into the rubber compound, they help

to reduce fuel consumption.



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The Wet Grip Elastomer, a polymer that adheres to asphalt, even whenwet

Michelins Wet Grip Elastomer is apolymer that is both very dense andextremely flexible. These propertiesenable the tread to break through thewaters surface and adhere to eventhe smallest dry surface. Thus, theWet Grip Elastomer plays a key rolein wet-road braking.

The Long Lasting Elastomer, a defining factor in mileage performance

Also embedded in the rubber compound is another polymer characterised by its exceptionaldurability. With every turn of thewheel, the Long Lasting Elastomer isstretched to the limit yet never breaks. By maintaining the rubber compounds integrity, it improves tyrelongevity.

Silica, a key component for reducing fuel consumption

With each rotation of the wheel, thetyre is deformed under the weight of the load when it makes contact withthe road. As its structure isdeformed, the components heat upand some of the energy transmittedby the engine is lost. The silicaincorporated into the rubber helps tolimit this heat build-up, making itpossible to reduce fuel consumptionand, consequently, CO 2 emissions.



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Enhanced water evacuation with the Anti Surf System

In order to brake three metres shorter than its predecessor, the MICHELIN PilotSport 3 relies on the unique Wet Grip Elastomer (detailed on p. 7 ), but research anddevelopment teams went even further, improving the tyres design. More specifically,they focused on the shape of the shoulder, rounding it to evacuate larger volumes of

water.Conventional tyres have asquare profile when seenfrom the front. The imageto the left illustrates theoutline of such tyres inred.

Michelins Anti Surf System, shown by therounded profile to the left of the green area, reducesthe risk of hydroplaning.Compared with a traditionaltyre with the same sizecontact patch, theMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 is

better at keeping its shoulders out of the water.

Programmed Distortion Tyre architecture for more precise steering ondry roads and better overall mileage

Steering precision and responsiveness are closely related to the rubberstemperature and its resulting deformations.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 features original technology that addresses this issue bykeeping the rubber tread at an optimal temperature in all circumstances. At lowspeeds, the tread heats up quickly to attain the level of flexibility required for goodtraction. At high speeds, it stiffens to prevent excessive temperature build-up.

This performance is the result of 50,000 hours of simulation testing. The tread wasdesigned and manufactured using Dassault Systems Catia software, a 3D-designapplication that has established itself as the benchmark in the automotive, aviationand aerospace industries. Road trials totalling 100,000 km were then carried out tovalidate the technologys effectiveness.

See illustrations below.



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Programmed Distortion Tyre technology on the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

Fact Sheet 4(Focus on the tyres rich heritage)

From the racetrack to the road, the prestigious pedigree of theMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

Michelin Group allocates more than 500 million a year to R&D. Whether for cars,motorcycles, trucks or other vehicles, all Michelin tyres benefit from innovationsdeveloped through basic research programs at the Technology Center. However,Michelin also relies on an entirely different research laboratory to constantly innovatewith its series-produced tyres.


Tire corneringContact pressure (daN/mm)

High contactpressure

Low contactpressure

Tire at low speed Tire at high speed

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3(top) rapidlyattains its optimal functional temperature,improving its flexibility and therefore grip.The standard tire (bottom) remains at a lowtemperature.

Thanks to Programmed Distortion, the treadon the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 (top) stiffenat high speeds. This prevents theoverheating that affects standard tires(bottom).

MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3

Tire corneringContact pressure (daN/mm)

Standard tire

When cornering, the contact pressure of theMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 is constant andevenly distributed, as is shown by thepredominance of green in the illustrationabove. There is no excessive heat build-up,which enhances steering precision andextends tread life.

On a standard tire, pressure andsubsequent heat build-up are verypronounced, as illustrated by the red above,resulting in a loss of steering precision. Therubber can tear in overheated zones andmileage is considerably reduced.


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That other laboratory is the racetrack, which is used to improve the performance of store-bought tyres. Michelins approach aims to transfer knowledge from racing to theroad. Track racing in particular is highly competitive, requiring tyre manufacturers tosearch for new solutions that can ultimately benefit all drivers.

- 18 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including 12 in a row , are among

Michelins outstanding achievements in automobile racing. The Groups commitmentto this sport, which requires both high performance and endurance, has enabled it tocollect a wealth of valuable technological data.

- With more than 200 original equipment certifications in its six years on themarket, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport PS2 has been widely successful with carmakers,becoming the benchmark tyre for Porsche and the world speed record holder with the Bugatti Veyron*.

This wealth of experience and knowledge has been fully leveraged to create theMICHELIN Pilot Sport 3. The new tyres innovative qualities are attributable to its

dual heritage as successor to a tyre that has been both a performance benchmarkand a racetrack champion.

* On a closed circuit, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport PS2 beat the world speed record in 2006 on the Bugatti Veyron,at over 400 km/h.



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Fact Sheet 5(Focus on a world in motion)

MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3, enhanced driving sensations in a fast-developing market

Michelin nurtures close relationships with all automobile manufacturers worldwide.Present on all fronts and around the world, the Group has developed a broad visionof the automobile industry.

According to in-house studies, unit sales of sporting models, sports cars and luxuryvehicles, which declined in 2008 and 2009, are now expected to rise steadily,especially in Europe.

This will fuel continued demand for ever-safer tyres that deliver the level of drivingenjoyment expected from these types of automobiles. The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport3 already addresses this need. In addition, the tyre has embraced a responsibleapproach, helping to reduce fuel consumption while guaranteeing long tread life.

In this way, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 is perfectly aligned with societys growingawareness of the need for environmental stewardship.


0011200001320000152000017200001920000

The high-performance vehicle market in EuropeMarket Intelligence Michelin Estimations fromGlobal Insight

1.6 million units

Sports and luxury cars2008-2014: 12% growth

1.2 million units

Sporting models2008-2014: 9% growth


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Appendix

MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 sizes

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 will be introduced in various sizes throughout 2010. Bythe end of the year, the following 25 sizes will be available in the replacement tyremarkets:

195/45 R16 84V XL205/55 ZR16 91W205/55 R16 91V205/50 R16 87V

205/45 ZR16 87W XL205/45 R16 83V

205/50 ZR17 93W XL205/45 ZR17 88W XL205/40 ZR17 84W XL

225/45 ZR17 91Y225/45 ZR17 94W XL225/45 ZR17 94Y XL235/45 ZR17 97Y XL245/45 ZR17 99Y XL

245/40 ZR17 91Y225/40 ZR18 92W XL225/40 ZR18 (92Y) XL235/40 ZR18 (95Y) XL245/40 ZR18 (97Y) XL255/35 ZR18 94Y XL

265/35 ZR18 (97Y) XL275/35 ZR18 (99Y) XL245/40 ZR19 (98Y) XL255/40 ZR19 100Y XL

275/40 ZR19 101Y

As original equipment, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 has already been certified for

use on the Audi A4 and A5 and on the new Mercedes E63 AMG.The new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 is also in the process of being certified for the AudiA3, Citron C4, Ford CMax, Mercedes S65 AMG, Mercedes E-Class and MercedesSL.



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Appendix II

Michelin facts and figures

For more than a century, Michelin has dedicated its expertise and innovation to

enhancing the mobility of people and goods around the world.

1889 : Founding of Michelin et Cie1891 : Michelin files its first patents for removable and repairable tyres1895 : Michelin introduces clair, the first car to be fitted with pneumatic tyres1898 : Birth of Bibendum , the Michelin Man1900 : First Michelin Guide published1905 : Introduction of theMichelin Sole tread with hobnails to improve tyre grip and durability1910 : First 1/200,000 scale Michelinroad map published1913 : Michelin invents theremovable steel wheel1923 : First low pressure car tyre (2.5 bar)1926 : Michelin creates its firstGreen Guide for tourists1930 : Michelin files a patent for theintegrated tube tyre1938 : Michelin launchesMetalic, the first truck tyre with a steel casing1946 : Michelin invents theradial tyre1959 : Michelin introduces the first radial tyre for earthmovers1979 : The Michelin radial tyre wins the Formula 1 championship1981 : The MICHELIN X Air is the first radial aircraft tyre1989 : Michelin launches the first online travel itinerary service, on Frances Minitel teletextnetwork1993 : Michelin invents the new C3M tyre manufacturing process1992 : Launch of the fuel-efficientMICHELIN Energy tyre

1995 : The US space shuttle lands on Michelin tyres1996 : Michelin invents the vertically anchored PAX System tyre1998 : The firstChallenge Bibendum , the worlds leading clean vehicle event1998 : Bibendums centennial2000 : Bibendum voted best logo of all time by an international jury2001 : Michelin brings to market the worlds largest earthmover tyre2003 : Launch of Michelin brand automotive accessories2004 : New corporate signature introduced: Michelin, a better way forward2004 : Launch of the MICHELIN XeoBib, the first agricultural tyre that operates at a constantlow pressure2005 : Michelin provides tyres for the new Airbus A-380 aircraft - Launch of theMICHELINPower Race , the first dual-compound racing tyre approved for road use2006 : Michelin revolutionizes truck tyres withMICHELIN Durable Technologies2007 : Launch of the new MICHELIN Energy Saver tyre, which reduces fuel consumptionby nearly 0.2 liters per 100 kilometres, thereby lowering CO2 emissions by 4 grams per kilometre2008 : Introduction of the newMICHELIN X Energy Savergreen truck tyre2009 : 100th edition of theMICHELIN Guide France2010 : MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 launched in the replacement market



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Michelin key figures

Date created: 1889Production facilities: 68 plants in 19 countriesNumber of employees: 117,000 worldwide

Technology Center: More than 6,000 researchers on three continents:North America, Europe and AsiaAnnual R&D budget: More than 500 millionAnnual output: Around 190 million tyres produced and over 15

million maps and guides sold in more than 170countries

2008 net sales: 16.4 billion

An extensive portfolio of brands covering all market segments: Michelin,BFGoodrich, Kleber, Uniroyal, Riken, Taurus, Kormoran, Warrior, Pneu Laurent,Recamic, Michelin Remix, Euromaster, TCI Tyre Centers, TyrePlus.

Discover the history of the Michelin Group with a visit to LAventure Michelin.Recent events and useful information is available at www.laventuremichelin.com


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