Michelin and Volvo Sign Innovation Partnership

Michelin and the Volvo Group have signed a contract extending the agreement that has made Michelin the Swedish automotive manufacturer’s main tyre supplier since 2003. The two companies will now work together on innovation projects. Under the contract signed on 25 January 2010, Michelin will supply truck tyres as original equipment for vehicles assembled by Volvo in North America, South America, Europe and, for the first time, Turkey, and marketed under the Volvo Trucks, Volvo Buses, Renault Trucks and Mack Trucks trade names.

With the signing of this new contract, the two companies also decided to pursue and step up their cooperation in the area of research and development. The goal is to bring market innovations to equip future generations of Volvo Group vehicles, with a view to leveraging the benefits of Michelin’s low fuel consumption tyres.

“Michelin and the Volvo Group share the same vision of socially and environmentally responsible mobility,” said Pete Selleck, president of Michelin’s worldwide truck tyre business and member of the Group Executive Council. “With this agreement, Michelin will provide Volvo with innovations that improve transport company performance while also protecting the environment.”

Michelin already equips trucks sold by the Volvo Group around the world with its Michelin Energy tyre ranges. According to the company, these tyres enable trucking companies to reduce fuel consumption by at least 2 litres per 100 km while also benefiting from superior safety performance and longer tread life.