Michelin, Clemson Tire-Inflation Station Opens at CU-ICAR

CLEMSON, SC – June 12, 2009 –  Upstate motorists now have another resource to help them travel area roads and highways even more safely, thanks to Michelin North America and the Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute. The two organizations celebrated their longstanding partnership Thursday with the dedication of a unique safety initiative and a reminder that proper tire inflation is a key automotive-safety component that boosts fuel efficiency.

Located on the entrance level of the AutoPark at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) at Interstate 85 exit 48A East, the Michelin Tire Inflation Station, which features a six-foot replica of the iconic Michelin Man, is a highly visible reminder for drivers to check and adjust tire-inflation pressure as they leave the parking area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clemson’s Automotive Safety Research Institute (CU-ASRI) and Michelin chose National Tire Safety Week to dedicate the tire-inflation station.

“Tires are an extremely important safety feature of the automobile, said Kim Alexander, executive director of the institute. Accurate tire-inflation pressure is one of the most easily managed — and one of the most easily overlooked — aspects of automotive safety.

“Unless a tire is obviously flat, it is far too easy to assume all is well. We invite the public to use this inflation station at their convenience. We are very excited that Michelin has partnered with CU-ASRI to provide this important safety tool and are very appreciative of their support of CU-ASRI initiatives over the years.”

The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that under-inflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. Michelin long has urged consumers to check tire pressure regularly to optimize vehicle safety. The company conducts regular tire-safety events in South Carolina and across North America throughout the year. 

“It only takes a few minutes to examine your tires and check the inflation pressure, said Sarah Miller, director of safety and environmental initiatives for Michelin North America. This station provides the tens of thousands of motorists who travel along I-85 in Greenville each day with a new opportunity to enhance safety on the road. We are proud to dedicate this useful tool that promotes safer mobility as part of our longstanding partnership with Clemson.”

Chris Przirembel, Clemson’s vice president for research and economic development, praised Michelin as an exemplary university partner.

“Michelin North America supports Clemson University in more ways than we can ever adequately thank them for. They are research partners, economic development partners, work force-development partners and partners in community service,” he said. “Their relationship with the Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute over many years has focused on interdisciplinary teaching, research and public service. This unique joint project is especially valuable for educating the public about tire safety and providing the means for evaluating and correcting problems on the spot.”

 

Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute
The Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute is the safety education component of CU-ICAR and is a research-based interdisciplinary program focused on the critical human-vehicle-road interface. Its goal is to bring together nationally and internationally recognized researchers, educators and government and corporate partners to improve the safety of driving in the automotive-transportation environment. For more information, visit http://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/cu-icar/ASRI/.

Michelin North America
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 space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, Michelin North America (www.michelin-us.com) employs more than 22,600 people and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.