Foreword

Welcome to the second issue of the Michelin Lifestyle newsletter for 2017. The 1^st semester is already behind us with a lot of changes and evolutions which are coming quicker and quicker. Some examples are:

• Evolution of the distribution and of the business models (did you know the B2C2B model before?)
• Digitalization in every field
• New materials and new products (not only connected)
• And of course, we are working on the application of the new Michelin brand style for the MLL business.

It’s been another busy few months for product launches in both the footwear and vehicle accessories categories, with the footwear business extending to new and exciting categories such as rock climbing.

The shows and events season is also in full swing and we were thrilled to be part of Goodwood Festival of Speed and Movin’On which provided a launch platform for our new Michelin E-drive system – a kit which converts a conventional bike in to an electrically assisted one. We also had a stand for Michelin auto accessories at the Automechanika UK in Birmingham where we launched our new TPMS system. All of these events provided an opportunity to expose our products and the Michelin brand to a new and wider audience.

We continue to explore digital and e-commerce opportunities with the Sole Power website and an e-shop ‘pilot’ launching in China in July 2017. Did you know that China is the fastest growing market for retail E-commerce sales -from 12% in 2015 to 16.6% in 2018 as a percentage of total retail sales- and that the UK has the highest score with a forecast of 18% in 2018 for the same rate?

Putting the consumer experience first is important to us and we strive to make it easier for them to have access to our products when and where they need them.

More to follow on that later in the year. In the meantime, enjoy your summer break if you have one!

Christian Delhaye
Managing Director
Michelin Lifestyle Limited