Michelin feeling effects of rift between U.S., France

Greenville Online ^ | March 17, 2003 | Jenny Munro

[Apollo]

Michelin North America said Monday it is feeling the effects of mounting tensions between the United States and France as a U.S.-led war with Iraq seems inevitable. The Greenville-based company, the U.S. subsidiary of the French tire manufacturer, said it is hearing from increasing numbers of concerned consumers by phone and e-mail.

[dep]

buy perelli.

dep

[Arkinsaw]

They are owned by France. I seriously suspect France gets at least a penny of the profit. That's enough for me.

[Smedley]

The U.S. military, however, is was a "significant customer" for Michelin, Banks said.

[Outlaw76]

I did my part this weekend! 4 tires, non french. I told the guy at the guy who sold them to me why I would not accept Michelin on my car.

[clintonh8r]

I sent an email to Michelin last week that I needed a new set of tires for my SUV (about $800 worth) and that I would buy Pirellis or Goodyears instead. The email came back undeliverable, so I did the next best thing: told the local retailer.

It's too bad, because Michelin makes a great product, and they even have a tire designed specifically for my vehicle. Still, making a statement (and actually doing something) in support of our country's policy is more important than a set of tires.

[midwestmidnight]

Cooper (Ohio Based) Cobra's on my RX-7. Plenty o'grip!

[Jorge]

Banks said that most of the Michelin products sold in the U.S. are made here.

Which means boycotting Michelin products also hurts American workers. Not too smart.

[Rightone]

Oh great. Now I gotta blank out the tire manufacturer for my Mountaineer. First it came with Firestones, they were swapped for Michelins because of the tire fiasco. NOW WHAT???? Sheesh!

[Pushi]

I have Michelins on three cars. No more! I'll go with Goodyear. Does anyone have the email address handy?

[Noumenon]

When I take the studded snows off my Suburban in a couple of weeks, I'll have a decision to make. It sure as hell won't be Michelin. Cooper's looking pretty good to me right now.

[faithincowboys]

I AM SENSITIVE TO THE GOOD AMERICAN FOLKS THAT THEY EMPLOY
in GREENVILLE.

i hate the french more than the average person (i assure you) but i wouldn't want to see these people lose their jobs.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Michelin USA

Contact Michelin - Feedback Form

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

See my post above for Michelin's on-line contact form.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

See my post above.

[San Jacinto]

Right you are!!!!!!

Some people oppose a "full boycott" because it hurts Americans. Even Bill O'Reilly--a big proponent of the boycott-- exempts Red Roof Inns and Motel 6, because of American employees and franchisees. He is wrong~!

By gosh, I switched from Wild Turkey-- a fine Kentucky bourbon when I learned the French now own the company.

Maybe in 2 or 3 years Toyo or Peralli or Goodyear will make Michelin a good offer for the North American operations (say, about 10 cents on the dollar) and Jack Daniels will do the same with Wild Turkey.

I say we break 'em (and if my lead is followed that WILL happen, cause I am done for good.)

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Pirelli.com
Contact Pirelli (Corporate HQ in Spain - one of our strongest allies in the war on terror)

Goodyear.com
Contact Goodyear

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

BOYCOTT FRENCH PRODUCTS LIST HERE

[The Clemson Tiger]

I've run Michelins all my life...

Until now.

[Arkinsaw]

i hate the french more than the average person (i assure you) but i wouldn't want to see these people lose their jobs.

The EU, under the grip of French bureaucrats, has been trying to cost us jobs for years. They run to the WTO for every tangential action we take that they can deem "protectionist". They have been denying mergers of US companies with other US companies that have been approved by our own justice department when those companies compete with their companies.

I feel sorry that those folks work for a French company but you are not helping them in the long run by sending profits to France and the EU.