Miami, FL. Thursday 26 June 2025. This month, SAMA (Southern Automotive Media Association) saw a double-header of member luncheons. Following on the early June presentation by renowned car-care products manufacturer Meguiar’s, the month was capped off by a luncheon and presentation hosted by Michelin. Founded over 135 years ago, they manufacture tires for automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, heavy equipment, aircraft and even the Space Shuttle.
The Michelin presentation was led by Senior Brand Manager, Durability Tire Line Caroline Ervin, Public Relations Manager Lauren McClure and Senior Product Development Engineer / Product Category Manager Eric Schmedding.
From left to right: Caroline Ervin and Eric Schmedding of Michelin
A long history of innovation
Throughout its history, Michelin has pioneered a series of firsts. Removable pneumatic tires, self-supporting run-flat tires and radial tires are among their most significant innovations. This spirit continues with the airless Tweel, which, in turn, gave way to the next-generation Michelin Uptis (Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System).
Five product families? Or more?
During their presentation, the Michelin representatives mentioned five major families of tires. They are CrossClimate (all-season), Pilot Sport (summer high performance for road or track), X-Ice / Pilot Alpin (winter) and the aggregate Primacy, Pilot EV and OE family. The latter encompasses the Primacy all-season and summer-only line of high-efficiency tires, Pilot EV for sport electric vehicles and OE (Original Equipment) direct replacements for original factory tires. The focus of the presentation, however, was the 5th category: the Defender line of ultra-long tread life all-season tires.
But a visit to the Michelin website reveals even more tire families. The Premier all-season line emphasizes a smooth ride, improved wet-braking capability plus reduced vibration and road noise. The Latitude Sport family includes a broad array of all-season, summer and winter tires for light trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The Energy / Energy Saver family, as the name implies, focuses on maximum fuel economy. Finally, the LTX line for light trucks includes Michelin’s sole all-terrain off-road tire, the A/T2. It seems that the Michelin group prefers to leave a broader assortment of all-terrain and mud-terrain tires to the BFGoodrich brand it has owned since 1989.
Here, then, is more on the Michelin Defender line of tires.
Michelin Defender2
This line of tires is aimed at cars, minivans and crossovers. They are available in 52 different sizes for wheel diameters ranging from 16″ to 20″. Benefitting from Michelin’s trademarked PIANO Noise Reduction Tuning, they offer a generous 80,000-mile warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2
The Defender LTX M/S2 tires are aimed at larger SUVs and full-size light duty (150 / 1500) pickup trucks. They are available in 39 Rec sizes and 14 LT-metric sizes for wheel diameters ranging from 16″ to 24″. For the uninitiated, Rec tires are aimed at recreational vehicles (pickups and SUVs) that will see regular, lighter-duty use. They provide a smoother, quieter ride.
LT-metric tires, on the other hand, may also be used on heavy-duty pickups (250/350 & 2500/3500). LT tire construction is sturdier, with a higher load range, better suited for heavy towing and require higher air pressure (e.g., 60-80 psi, as opposed to passenger tires’ usual 35-45 psi).
Defender LTX M/S2 Rec tires offer a 75,000-mile warranty, while their LT-metric counterparts’ is for 50,000 miles. Both include a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Michelin Defender LTX Platinum
The newest member of the Michelin Defender family is the LTX Platinum tire for luxury heavy-duty pickup trucks (250/350 & 2500/3500). They are available in 6 different sizes for 20″ diameter wheels. They offer a 70,000-mile warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
