Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) recently held a semi-annual dealer meeting in Amelia Island, Fla., for its American, Canadian and Mexican MRT franchisees.
The conference emphasized the importance of the independent dealer in the continued growth of MRT and Michelin's commitment to its franchisees. MRT dealers have 39 retread plants in the United States, four in Canada and one in Mexico.
At the meeting, Edouard Michelin, managing partner of the Michelin Group, told the dealers, "I am proud of the trust you have placed in Michelin, and I am proud of our shared belief that improved manufacturing and technically advanced products will, in the long term, bring additional performance and thereby better service to the transportation industry.”
John Rice, chief operating officer of Michelin Americas Truck Tires, added, "Reaching 12.5% of the U.S. market just five years after our entry into retreading in the U.S. is an incredible success.
"Much of that success is due to the hard work and commitment of our independent dealers. The focus of our retreading business is to continue to increase the penetration of Michelin retreads in the marketplace so that they parallel the market share of our new tires in North America."
(The Michelin brand has an 8.5% market share in the U.S. for replacement passenger tires, a 6.5% share of the light truck tire replacement market, and a 17.5% market share in medium/heavy truck truck tires, according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2003 Facts Issue.)
Michelin emphasized his on-going commitment to further MRT growth, supported by the Michelin Group's research and development.
Michelin dedicates more than 4% of its worldwide sales to research and development. "We make long-term decisions, and we stick with them," said Michelin. "We have made an investment in retreading, and we will continue to be successful in this market."
There are now more than 200 points of sale in North America for Michelin retreads, the company reports.
