Michelin Challenge Bibendum

Michelin calls for safe, clean and sustainable mobility at Challenge Bibendum;

Unveils exciting tire innovations and breakthrough technologies

"Clean, efficient travel and mobility are key to economic development and a safe environment worldwide." - the main message delivered at the recently held Challenge Bibendum 2011 in Berlin, Michelin Tires’ annual sustainable mobility event that brought together over 5,000 representatives from politics, business, industry, civil society, media and the scientific community from various parts of the world.

“The spirit of Challenge Bibendum is to demonstrate that the automobile has a lively capacity for progress and that the road transport sector has a bright future that will serve society well,” said Michel Rollier, Chief Executive Officer, Michelin.

Over five days, Challenge Bibendum participants, including those from the Philippines, discussed challenges and solutions for sustainable and safe road mobility, unveiling government and industry innovations for world markets that would not only be breakthrough-efficient but clean and helpful for the environment as well.

Companies, research institutes and main global automotive manufacturers presented their latest technologies at the Challenge Bibendum Technological Exhibition Center as global specialists took part in workshops that discussed how public and private organizations could contribute to road safety, among other things. Participants were able to do vehicle technical tests, go on car rally and ride and drive vehicles alongside engineers who developed the technological innovations.

Michelin unveiled exciting tire innovations and breakthrough technologies that use minimum materials to maximize overall efficiency in automobile and road transportation.

One such innovation is the Self-Repairing Tire that can be driven over nails without losing a single gram of pressure. Made with a unique rubber compound that immediately plugs holes in the tread, the tires differ from ordinary run-flat tires and continue to deliver all the regular functions of a fully functional tire such as safety, total mileage and fuel efficiency.

Also showcased at the 2011 Michelin Challenge Bibendum was a concept tire for trucks, specially developed by Michelin for heavy commercial use vehicles that can carry a load of 5 tons. The new tire -- not yet commercially released -- enables trucks to carry significantly heavier loads and also decrease fuel consumption by 20%.

Another innovation unveiled at 2011 Michelin Challenge Bibendum was the small 10-inch tire and wheel (175/70 R10) capable of delivering the same on-the-road performance as a regular 14-inch tire (175/65 R14) but can carry 15 % more weight. The small size makes this wheel take up less space and makes more room for interior space under the hood, inside the passenger compartment and in the truck. 

Locally, Michelin Philippines will soon launch a new product for the Passenger Car range with not only the fuel saving mobility mantra of Challenge Bibendum, but 20% more mileage. According to Adam Storey, Michelin Philippines Chief Representative, “the new Michelin tire breakthrough will soon be available through local tire dealers and tire shops nationwide, and guarantees to be significantly more durable and more fuel efficient than its predecessor."