LOCAL NEWS

Michelin’s Bibendum shown in bed relates how the comfort and quietness that is desirable for a restful sleep is also found in Michelin tyres.

Visitors can try their hand at changing tyres on a F1 car. In the real race, the pit crews have to do it in less than 10 seconds.

There is a contest to win money too if you can guess the right number of tyres all over the exhibition area.

In conjunction with the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix this month, Michelin Malaysia is holding the Michelin Pilot Experience Exhibition as an exercise to educate consumers on the importance of good tyres and to highlight the superiority of Michelin tyres.

"Awareness amongst the motoring public on tyre care and their specific performance is still very low and we hope to educate them through our driving lifestyle showcase," said Ronald Sutardja, General Manager of Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd. He explained that the automotive tyre is one of the most under-estimated vehicle components and motorists expect them to perform at ‘heroic levels’ at all times.

"However, a badly worn tyre, or one that is not suited for the vehicle, will also not deliver the desired performance," he warned.

Mr Sutardja said that it is Michelin Malaysia’s aim to continuously provide information to the public on tyres as the process of educating the public is something that has to be ongoing.

The Michelin Care showcase, a concept unique to Malaysia, uses elements of the home to relate to the proven attributes of Michelin tyres – safety, comfort, quietness, economy, environmental protection and performance. For example, a bedroom scenario is shown to relate to the comfort and quietness of a Michelin tyre while a bathroom scenario is intended to draw attention to the wet grip of the tyres.

Of course, tyres alone are often boring subjects so the exhibition has the exciting F1 theme to draw visitors. For the young and old, there are racing simulators to try their skills on and also a contest with cash prizes. There is also a full-sized F1 car which is used for a contest where visitors can experience what it is like to be a member of the pit crew changing tyres during the race. Top teams have to do it within less than 10 seconds and those F1 tyres are not your typical car tyres either!

"Besides the educational part, the Michelin Pilot Experience will share with Malaysians the excitement of Formula 1 racing. It will also reinforce Michelin’s long association with motorsports and in particular, as a supplier to the 2005 F1 champion and runners-up," said Mr Sutardja.

The event is on at the One Utama Shopping Centre in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, from March 10 – 19, 10 am to 10 pm. Entrance is free.