Foreword

Welcome to the final issue of the Michelin Lifestyle Newsletter of 2014!

2014 has been both a successful and challenging year. There have been some excellent activities which have enabled the MLL programme to continue to grow. We have had the pleasure of welcoming new licensees, as well as, the development of soles for technical shoes with JV International and the MICHELIN tyre sealant in South America with Bardahl.

We have also seen:

• On-going growth activity in South America, China and Germany.
• Confirmation and communication of the MLL digital strategy.
• Progress in MLL’s presence in the tyre channel with increased listings of products, number of stores and therefore new business for licensees – especially in South America, China and Germany.

There have been challenges as well. Europe continues to be in a fragile economic situation and the mild winter weather is not helping the sales of MICHELIN snow chains or wiper blades!

We also have challenges to face in the future, starting in 2015! Product differentiation is a key success factor for all of us so we all have to continue to innovate and differentiate. To support this, we have reinforced our resources in the MLL technical department and we now have a dedicated team based at the Michelin Technology Centre in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This shows MLL’s strong commitment and ambition in regard to product differentiation.

I recently announced the new Michelin Lifestyle Awards for Licensees. They were announced during the recent International Licensee Meeting which was held in Chengdu, China. You can read all about these awards in the Spotlight section of this Newsletter. It’s very important to say that these awards were not awards for overall performance; they were to recognise some best practices which we want to share amongst Licensees.

All that is left to say is to wish you and your families a healthy and happy Christmas, and to rest well in anticipation of a successful 2015!

Christian Delhaye
Managing Director
Michelin Lifestyle Limited