Tires From Michelin Tires Promise Their Smoothest Ride Ever

In recent years, American drivers have increasingly looked for greater performance and functionality from their cars. With the introduction of crossover vehicles and the latest generation of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUV), consumers are maximizing their driving experience by choosing vehicles that offer the best of both worlds — the handling and performance of a sedan with the ruggedness and hauling capability of an SUV.

To meet the unique needs of these vehicles, Michelin has introduced the Michelin Latitude Tour HP all-season tire. The tire's technology combines the smooth ride of Michelin's premier touring tires with the durability of its toughest light truck and SUV tires.

"The tires on your car should match and deliver the performance you expect from the vehicle itself," said Parmeet Grover, brand director of Michelin Americas Small Tires. "Drivers can have the best of both worlds because the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire provides consistent performance in all conditions, letting drivers transport the family in style, while still having the power and traction to tow a boat."

Better Contact with the Road
Two different types of rubber compounds in the tread of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire give consumers great performance on all roads and any type of weather. The outer tread areas feature a rubber compound designed to maximize the tire's grip in dry weather, while the rubber compound in the center of the tread is formulated for exceptional performance in foul weather.

Drivers will appreciate the sure-footed performance of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire. Michelin's load-sensitive contact patch technology helps ensure the tire places the widest possible footprint — and greatest contact — on the road at all times.

Balancing Car- and Truck-Like Performance
To deliver maximum car-like handling, Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires feature Secure Lock technology. This newly developed feature provides better control and grip of the road in wet and snowy conditions, without sacrificing handling. The Secure Lock tread blocks close and lock under hard acceleration, braking, and cornering to deliver better overall performance.

While many crossover and luxury SUV owners will never use their vehicle for off-roading, the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire's truck-like toughness is evident in Michelin's patented Filament at Zero (FAZ) technology.

By placing aramid nylon, the material that makes bulletproof vests bulletproof, in areas where reinforcements are needed most, FAZ technology reinforces the tire's tread area, while two sidewall plies provide peace of mind against any challenges the road might present, including potholes, curbs and other urban hazards.

"If the unique features of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire weren't enough, drivers can also save money at the pump," said Grover. "With the Latitude Tour HP's reduced rolling resistance, drivers who practice regular tire maintenance, can save up to $70 in fuel costs over the life of the tire, compared to competitive products."

Product Availability
The Michelin Latitude Tour HP tire is available now in 15 dimensions for 17- to 22-inch rim diameters, including popular replacement sizes for Mercedes-Benz M Class and R Class, and other crossover vehicles.

This tire is covered by Michelin's Total Satisfaction Guarantee, which includes a 30-day free trial period, two years of 24-hour roadside assistance and free tire rotation reminders. Additional information is available at www.michelinman.com, where consumers can also find their nearest Michelin dealer.

About Michelin
The world's largest tire maker, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 23,330 and operates 20 plants in 16 locations.

(Source: Michelin)