Michelin acquires Arctic tire test centre
Ivalo, Finland – Michelin Group’s European technology centre has “officially acquired” the Ivalo Arctic ice testing centre, the French tire-maker announced 1 Dec.
Michelin said it aimed to reinforce its testing and approval operations for winter tires for passenger cars, vans and trucks by using the “Fox Farm”, Ivalo, centre for winter conditions.
Michelin has already been operating the site for more than 20 years for testing and approval of its winter tires, said the company.
“By acquiring ownership of the site, Michelin guarantees that it can control its own test equipment and top up its winter testing resources,” it added.
The extreme climatic conditions at Ivalo and the quality of the snow, which has a different consistency to Alpine snow, offer a good test environment.
According to Michelin, tires certified to 3 PMSF (3 Peaks Mountain Snow Flake) - an EU logo for winter tire performance - are partially tested at the Ivalo site.
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