Michelin uses sunflower oil in US version of Primacy all-season tyre

By Kathy McCarron, ERJ staff

Greenville, South Carolina -- It seems Michelin North America Inc. (MNA) tyre engineers were inspired by the Food Network when they incorporated kitchen-grade sunflower oil in Michelin's new luxury touring tyre, the Primacy MXM4.

Michelin said it uses sunflower oil, commonly used in light cooking recipes, to improve traction performance by helping to dissipate heat in the tread. The US-sourced oil accounts for less than 5 percent of the tyre's materials. Michelin previously has used sunflower oil to increase performance and wear in its winter tyres, but this is the first all-season tyre to use the ingredient, according to Dominique Josson, technical marketing manager.

Sunflower oil is part of Michelin's patented Helio Compound technology to increase traction at low temperatures for braking and handling in wet conditions and improve overall performance in the snow, according to the tyre maker. The tyre also features Michelin's 3-D Variable Thickness Sipes for handling and MaxTouch Construction for durability.

The Primacy MXM4 is an eventual replacement for and an improvement on the Pilot MXM4 and will be available as OE fitments for luxury touring vehicles. The line is manufactured at four US and Canadian plants with some OE tyres produced in Europe for imported vehicles.

The Primacy MXM4 tyre has OE fitments for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 and E550 sedans, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 and E550 coupes, 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56, and the 2009 Buick Lacrosse.

By July 1 Michelin will debut 13 replacement sizes with rim diameters ranging from 16 to 19 inches with more sizes to follow in the next couple of years to cover 90 percent of touring performance vehicles.

The average price for a set of Primacy tyres could range between $600 and $800. Kaz Holley, MNA's director of US marketing, said Michelin kept the Primacy prices at or below the Pilot line and expects dealers will be able to get better margins with the Primacy compared with the Pilot. The tyre line will be available through all distribution channels in North America.

The Primacy MXM4 debut will be supported with point-of-sale materials as well as Internet, radio and television ads.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)