Radial tire technology, patented and introduced to the industry by Michelin in 1946, was awarded the International Tire Exhibition and Conference (ITEC) Grand Trilogy Award and recognized as the top product achievement in the ITEC Trilogy Awards. An independent technical panel reviewed all the entries and concluded that the radial tire “revolutionized the tire industry.”
“As a leader in the tire industry, Michelin is always focused on furthering tire technology. It is an honor to be recognized for introducing the radial tire,” said Jim Micali, chairman and president of Michelin North America, Inc. “The radial tire was a revolutionary invention when it was developed. We have challenged ourselves to take the next revolutionary step; the result is PAX System, an all-new extended mobility tire system that represents major leaps in comfort, handling, safety and design options.”
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The ITEC Trilogy Awards, sponsored by Rubber and Plastics News and Smither’s Scientific Services, were created to provide a medium for tire manufacturers and suppliers to be recognized for significant advancements in the tire industry developed in the past century. The awards consist of three categories: product, process or testing. A first-place winner in each category, along with a first runner-up and second place winner was selected.
The radial tire significantly improved the tire industry. The technology boasts many qualities that bias-ply tires could not achieve, including improved handling, cornering, fuel economy and traction. In addition, the tire lasted twice as long as conventional tires at the time of its introduction.
Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The group also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 26,500 and operates 21 plants in 19 locations.
