Michelin Announces Fall 2012 Launch of X-Ice Xi3 Winter Tire

Michelin, the world’s leading tire manufacturer, continues its commitment to safety and performance with the launch of its new Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire.
Engineered with innovative Michelin technology, the X-Ice Xi3 delivers the ultimate performance and protection in all winter conditions.
“We all want to feel safe when driving with our loved ones, no matter the weather or road conditions, and this tire does just that. It gives you peace of mind,” says Normand Latremouille, winter category manager for Michelin North America. “The innovative technology in the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire not only offers complete confidence while driving in any winter condition, but also fuel-efficiency and long-lasting performance.”
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire will be available in Fall 2012 in 33 dimensions – ranging from 14 to 18 inch rim diameters – and will cover more than 90 percent of the Canadian and American winter market for cars and mini-vans (with complementary dimensions still available in X-Ice Xi2 tires).
Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire uses third-generation, winter-grip technology, which provides 10% shorter stopping distance and longer life than other brands, says the company.
Michelin combines four key technologies in the tread block to make its X-Ice Xi3 a groundbreaking tire.
The Cross Z sipe enables stable handling, Block Edge provides more grip on snow and ice and Micro-Pumps absorb water – all improving tread contact and Flex-Ice, a rubber silica-based compound for braking performance.
The unique tear-drop shape of the vertical sipes provides better grip during acceleration and braking, which helps high-speed handling. And its MaxTouch Construction features a unique contact-patch shape that evenly distributes the forces of acceleration, braking and cornering and maximizes wear life.
The tire comes with a 60,000 kilometer (40,000 mile) limited tread wear warranty. With its Green X marking, the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 tire guarantees a level of energy efficiency among the highest in the market. It helps reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining all the advantages of long wear, safety and performance.
“When you buy winter tires, you want to feel confident that you are getting a premium product that will last and perform winter after winter,” adds Latremouille. “The Michelin X-Ice Xi3’s revolutionary design and technology serves up safety and longevity. Quite simply, it is the best winter tire in the market. And that is why we back it up with our Michelin Promise Plan.”