Nouvellon talking about Michelin achievements and future plans in Malaysia at the media luncheon today.
PETALING JAYA: Michelin Malaysia says it will introduce a new performance tyre locally during a regional event to be held at the Sepang circuit in June.
It is targeted at 60% of the mass market in Malaysia and would provide the same long-lasting performance as the Primacy 4, said Michelin regional director (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei) Pascal Nouvellon.
"It would be the biggest product launch in five years," he said at a Chinese New Year media luncheon here today. He declined to give further details.
The announcement followed Michelin's launch of the Primacy 4 tyre in Thailand last July, which the tyre maker claims offers long-lasting performance and safety even when the tyre is worn.
Another tyre product aimed at "maximum driving pleasure" would also be launched this year catering to luxury SUVs.
Michelin has production sites in Thailand that makes tyres for regional distribution from its Bangkok hub.
Nouvellon said the company aims to improve local availability of new tyres, cutting the delay from a few months to around two weeks after their initial market debut.
Michelin also owns the BF Goodrich tyre range. It inked a deal last week to acquire Indonesian tyre maker PT Multistrada Arah Sarana TBK, which makes the Achilles tyre brand for cars, SUVs and light trucks. Multistrada also produces Corsa tyres for motorcycles.
While Michelin tyres are the top tier products, BF Goodrich tyres are more affordable and cater to the mass market. The Achilles tyre range is expected to slot below BF Goodrich as the entry-level offering to complete the Michelin portfolio in Asia.
Nouvellon said he expected the Achilles tyre range to be introduced in Malaysia in 2020 once the US$439mil (RM1.8bil) Multistrada acquisition is completed.
The takeover also means Michelin is well poised to tap into Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest market for new cars and the region's second in production volume after Thailand.
Other Michelin activities in Malaysia planned for 2019 are free tyre checks at petrol stations during festive seasons and raising public awareness on proper tyre care for a safer driving experience. The Michelin Pilot Sport Experience campaign for the media and dealers from around the region would continue to enable them to enjoy the thrill of motorsport excitement.
