MICHELIN MALAYSIA LAUNCHES “FILL UP WITH AIR” CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE LONGER TYRE LIFE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

Three out of four motor cars run on under-inflated tyres while more than half are dangerously under-inflated, resulting in shorter tyre service life, increased fuel consumption and in millions of tonnes of carbon emissions.

Michelin’s “Fill up with Air” campaign to be launched in selected venues in Selangor, Melaka, Perak, Pahang, and Johor in conjunction with the current school holidays aims to educate car owners on the importance of correct tyre pressure as a sustainable weapon to enhance safety, beat inflation and increasing costs while protecting the environment.

“Driving with the wrong tyre pressure not only drastically reduces its service life, it causes higher fuel consumption, has a negative impact on the environment and most importantly can seriously compromise safety,” said Yves Pouliquen, managing director of Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

According to Pouliquen there are lots of ways that the motoring public could help cut down their expenditure while effectively reducing their carbon footprint through a simple and effective habit of being mindful of the correct tyre pressure of their vehicles.

“If we can educate 5,000 motorists on FUWA, it would translate to 3750 car owners reducing fuel consumption of some 47,000 litres per year not including added costs of replacement of tyres and hundreds of thousands ringgit worth of damages from road accidents.

“Just going on 75 per cent of the 543,000 passenger vehicles sold last year, the savings on fuel and the reduction of carbon emissions is phenomenal.

“While it is neither complicated nor expensive or time consuming to check and adjust tyre pressures, the lackadaisical attitude is certainly worrying. The dangers associated with under inflated tyres that could potentially lead to serious accidents that put families at risk could be overcome by a simple two or three minute check once a week,” Pouliquen added.

The Michelin FUWA campaign is designed to emphasize the importance of regular tyre pressure checks and adjustment. Correct tyre pressures are essential for safety and economy while incorrect tyre pressures adversely affect cornering ability, braking capability and vehicle stability while under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

The Michelin FUWA campaign will be held at Tesco Melaka and Tesco Manjung, Perak (June 4-5), MTD Temerloh R&R (KL-bound) and MTD Gambang R&R (Kuantan-bound) (June 11-12) and Tesco Plentong, Johor Baru and Tesco Puchong (June 18-19).

Drivers of private passenger cars can drive into the specially designated Michelin FUWA marquees at the selected venues and have their tyre pressure checked. They also can participate in a simple quiz and be in the running for an exclusive and priceless opportunity to participate in the Michelin Pilot Experience program and drive a Formula 3 car and other super cars at the Sepang F1 circuit.

RTM’s Traxx FM who is partnering Michelin in the FUWA campaign will also offer hundreds of Michelin collectibles to lucky callers participating in various call-in programs.

The first 50 Michelin Malaysia Facebook fans to present coupons available on the Facebook site when they visit any of the FUWA venues will also receive an exclusive Michelin umbrella when they have their tyre pressure checked.

More information on FUWA is also available at Michelin Malaysia Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MichelinMalaysia.

About Michelin (www.michelin.com)

With 109,000 employees and sales organizations in more than 170 countries, Michelin is worldwide leader of the tire manufacturers. Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the US space shuttle, on 72 production sites in 19 countries throughout five continents. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases and offers electronic mobility support services, on ViaMichelin.com. Research and innovation development is being taken care of in technology centres in Europe, USA and Japan.

For media queries, please contact:

Shahaeda ABBAS

Account Manager for MICHELIN Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Eric Pringle Associates Public Relations Sdn. Bhd.

Telephone no: + 60 (3) 2161 7144/6012-2056 484

Email: shahaeda@epapr.com.my

Yin Sze LEOW

Media Relations and Events

MICHELIN Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Telephone no: + 60 (3) 7680 3815

Email : yinsze.leow@my.michelin.com