New Michelin tires first roll in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Michelin North America says a new tire designed and tested in South Carolina offers drivers extremely long wear with added performance.

The company headquartered in Greenville unveiled the Defender passenger tire line Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The tire replaces Michelin’s previous premium passenger line, the HydroEdge, with a line the company says offers better traction, less noise and more fuel efficiency at a lower cost.

Michelin North America vice president Scott Clark told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that the tires will be made in Greenville and Columbia, as well as half-dozen other locations.

Clark says design on the South Carolina-born tire began more than two years ago. He says it represents another commitment toward keeping jobs in South Carolina.