Citroen-Bridgestone Deal Ends Michelin OE Exclusivity

The seven-decade exclusive supply relationship between Michelin and French carmaker Citroen will come to an end next year. For the first time since the 1930s Citroen has selected another manufacturer’s products as original equipment for its cars; when Citroen’s new C2 and C3 models are released in the second half of 2009, Bridgestone will act as a second-source supplier.

The significance of this decision can only be fully grasped when taking Michelin’s traditional close relationship with Citroen fully into account. The French tyre major took control of Citroen in 1935 and Pierre Michelin was appointed president of the carmaker. The company continued to hold a stake in Citroen until 1974, when it sold its shares to the Peugeot group.