Michelin CEO: Tire Dealers Will Play Key Role in EV Revolution

As electric vehicles continue to become more popular in North America, Michelin CEO Alexis Garcin says consumers will need to learn that tires are “the most important range-extending feature of an electric vehicle.” And he says independent tire dealers will play a critical role in educating consumers on that front.

Garcin, the president and CEO of Michelin North America Inc., spoke to reporters Feb. 2 during an online briefing, and he talked about three key pillars to the tiremaker’s business: its people, profit and focus on the planet through sustainability efforts.

Much of the commentary focused on the company’s work tied to electric vehicles. Garcin pointed to Michelin’s role in new technologies in history – the creation of the radial tire in 1946 and the company’s first green, fuel-efficiency-focused tire in 1992. He noted that last year Michelin unveiled the Pilot Sport EV, a tire the company says is capable of extending an EV’s range by up to 37 miles while also reducing noise levels by 20%.

“That’s a way to contribute to better mobility but also make (the) tire an even more important piece (of) the car than it is today,” Garcin said. …

Source: MTD