Michelin couv courteGB

Aircraft handicapped
by the depreciating dollar
Tire volume sales rose slightly on a recovery in commercial
aviation. However, earnings were disappointing against a
backdrop of a falling dollar, and continuing financial
difficulties for several airlines. Although over 60% of the
commercial aircraft built worldwide in 2004 were equipped
with radial technology, where Michelin is the leader the
overall radialization rate is still low. This strong demand put
pressure on the Group’s supply capacity.
Among the new contracts awarded to Michelin in 2004,
the one to equip the extra wide-bodied Airbus A380 which
is fitted with 20 tires, deserves special mention. Combining
robust strength with light weight, they reduce the aircraft’s
total weight by 360 kg.
Michelin XeoBib is the largest and only
agricultural tire to operate at a constant low
pressure at any speed, both in the field or on the road.
Michelin developed a tire
that can carry a 33-ton load
at a speed of 378 km/h
for the A380, at a very
reduced weight.
Strategy • Fundamentals Businesses
Earnings
Successful reorganization
of the Wheel business
Specialty tires
Volume sales rose as a result of a sharp increase in demand
for Truck wheels from European manufacturers in spite of
an eroding market for steel passenger car wheels. Strict cost
controls and the transfer of production from Spain’s Aranda
plant to France’s Troyes and Germany’s Solingen facilities
bore fruit.
In 2004, Julien Absalon became World Champion
and an Olympic Champion using Michelin tires
from the 2005 mountain bike line.
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