Michelin Launches The Defender® 2 Tire, Which Delivers Two Years of Extra Treadlife Compared to Three Leading Competitive Tires

• The MICHELIN^® Defender^® 2 tire outlasted three leading competitive tires by more than 25,000 miles on a treadwear test, delivering two extra years of treadlife.[1]

• When tested for wet[2]and dry[3] on-vehicle braking, the MICHELIN^® Defender^® 2 tire demonstrated stopping distances better than or comparable to three leading competitive tires.

• Delivering ride satisfaction mile after mile, the MICHELIN^® Defender^® 2 tire is designed for smooth, even wear, helping the last mile be as comfortably quiet as the first mile.

• A rolling launch with 47 sizes, the product covers over 60% of the market.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 14, 2022 – Michelin, the most awarded tire brand from JD Power[4] and the 2021 winner of CarTalk’s “Best Tire Brand,[5]” is launching the Defender^® 2 tire for Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) and passenger vehicles, featuring an 80,000-mile warranty with an expansion into 19” and 20” rim sizes. The Defender 2 tire is designed to handle the extra weight and torque of small SUVs, minivans and electric vehicles.

“As the market evolves toward electrification and small SUVs, we continue to strengthen our leadership in longevity and performance,” said Pierluigi Cumo, senior director of Michelin brand and retail marketing. “Throughout our testing, the Defender 2 easily beat several leading competitors in tread life.¹ With significant market coverage in sizing, the Defender 2 will be a welcome addition for dealers and consumers.”

When tested for wet² and dry³ on-vehicle braking, the Defender 2 tire demonstrated stopping distances better than or comparable to three leading competitive tires. Consumers can find confidence in wet and dry conditions through MICHELIN^® Full-Depth 3-D SipeLock^™ Technology. This innovation allows the tire to find extra grip in slippery conditions.

By implementing PIANO acoustic tuning, which reduces vibrations caused by the road resulting in a significant reduction of interior noise, the Defender 2 tire is designed for smooth, even wear, so the last mile is as comfortably quiet as the first mile.

The rolling launch will last through 2023 with additional SUV sizes. The Defender 2 continues its performance strength with every size holding an H-rating and adds 10 XL sizes to the product offer.

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is working with tires, around tires and beyond tires to enable Motion for Life. Dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility and sustainability, Michelin designs and distributes the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs. Michelin provides digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences. Bringing its expertise to new markets, the company is investing in high-technology materials, 3D printing and hydrogen, to serve a wide a variety of industries — from aerospace to biotech. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 22,500 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)

For more information contact:

Christian Fisher

Email: christian.fisher@michelin.com |  www.michelinmedia.com

[1] Based on U.S. Department of Transportation Average Annual Miles per driver (13,500 miles) and Desrosiers Automotive Consultants estimate of annual average kilometers driven in Canada (23,000 km), and on a treadwear test using tires in size 225/65R17 on 2021 Toyota RAV4s where the MICHELIN^® Defender^®2 showed an estimated life (based on calculating the most-worn groove of a rotated set) of 94,400 miles versus the Bridgestone^® Alenza^® AS Ultra at 47,700 miles and the Continental^® TrueContact^™ Tour at 59,400 miles and the Goodyear^® Assurance^® MaxLife^™ at 51,900 miles. Actual on-road results may vary.

[2] Based on internal wet braking tests from 50 MPH using tires in size 225/65R17 on a 2021 Toyota RAV4, where the MICHELIN^® Defender^®2 tire had an average stopping distance of 130 ft. against the Bridgestone^® Alenza^® AS Ultra with an average stopping distance of 127.8 ft, the Continental^® TrueContact^™ Tour with an average stopping distance of 145.2 ft and the Goodyear^® Assurance^® MaxLife^™ with an average stopping distance of 134 ft. Actual on-road results may vary.

[3] Based on internal dry braking tests from 60 MPH using tires in size 225/65R17 on a 2021 Toyota RAV4, where the MICHELIN^® Defender^®2 tire had an average stopping distance of 120.9 ft. against the Bridgestone^® Alenza^® AS Ultra with an average stopping distance of 125.8 ft, the Continental^® TrueContact^™ Tour with an average stopping distance of 129.2 ft and the Goodyear^® Assurance^® MaxLife^™ with an average stopping distance of 125 ft. Actual on-road results may vary.

[4] Michelin received the highest number of awards over the last thirty-three years among all other brands in the J.D. Power U.S. Original Equipment Tire and Replacement Tire Customer Satisfaction Studies. Visit jdpower.com for award information.

[5] Michelin was voted “Best Tire Brand” 2021, based on data including Government reporting, consumer reviews, independent third-party evaluations, price, and nationwide surveys of more than 800 mechanics. More details on CarTalk.com/Tires