UPDATE.
I received a response from Michelin today from my email several weeks ago. This is the email I sent:
Subject: Michelin Products
Author:
[email protected]
Date: 03/27/2003 9:47 AM
Brian,
We've spoken several times at Viper Days events. As you know I am a real Michelin product supporter.
I'm emailing you today because I am concerned with the number of emails and comments being made about "boycotting" French companies.
I'm sure you've already heard a lot about it so I won't belabor the point. Simply put, private and public companies should not be punished for their countries political positions. While I don't agree with any of France's positions in reference to the war with Iraq I don't think boycotting French products is the answer.
My question is very simple. Is it possible to arrange for Michelin to donate a large number of tires to the US Military forces to show their support?
This would have a profound impact on how the majority of Americans view the Michelin brand and would garner millions and millions of dollars of free marketing throughout the news media.
Please copy me on any forwards of this suggestion.
Regards,
Jeff Snell
CEO/Systech Systems & Services
www.systechsystems.com <
http://www.systechsystems.com/> 919.719.2000 x111
This is the response. It is copied in it's entirety here:
Dear Jeff,
Thank you for your e-mail of 3/27/03 and for sharing your information and your request. We understand your viewpoint but would greatly appreciate the opportunity to present additional facts on this issue for your consideration.
A boycott of Michelin products in the United States would not be a boycott of French products. It would be a boycott against American products, made in 17 U.S. factories, located in 7 states. By rejecting the Michelin brand and BFGoodrich Tires consumers would not only deny themselves products that have won their respect and patronage, but American workers would also be hurt. Michelin North America, Inc., an American company with its corporate charter issued by New York State, employs some 20,000 people in the United States.
A boycott against Michelin in the US will have no impact on the French government since the vast majority of the tires made here stay here in the US and relatively few Michelin tires from France are imported to the US.
Michelin North America is an integral part of communities across the United States. Our employees are the leaders in giving to the United Way, Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society, just to name a few of the charities Michelin supports. Thousands of Michelin employees volunteer across the country in local school enrichment programs, Meals on Wheels and other vital non-profit services.
Perhaps you should know that when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Michelin Group responded the next day by donating $1 million to provide aid to the families of the victims. Michelin North America also provided a quarter million dollars in tires and services to rebuilding efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C.
As a supplier, Michelin North America has among its customers the U.S. armed forces and the armed forces of other NATO countries. The U.S. armed forces are well aware of the quality tire products we have provided and continue to provide. Here at home, we recently extended the benefits of those Michelin employees who have been called to active duty in the Iraq crisis. We will continue to do so throughout the current military conflict.
Thanks you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns, and the concerns of your fellow Viper Club members.
Sincerely,
Kondria Woods
Michelin North America
Greenville, S.C.
This was my response:
Kondria,
Thanks for your reply. So far as my research can tell Michelin is based in Clermont-Ferrand, France. It appears that you manufacturer product in approximately 70 countries and 40% of your total worldwide sales within North America. This looks to be about $6.4 billion annually.
Michelin is a French owned, French managed, French based company that does business in many countries. Employees and infrastructure are procured in those countries to facilitate the manufacturing, distribution, sales/marketing of Michelin and Michelin branded products. This does not make them independent companies. Many US companies have offices and operations outside of the United States - They are still US companies. Michelin North America profits are ultimately controlled by the French owned, French managed, French based company in France.
While I certainly appreciate past gestures Michelin has made during past North American crisis's, the fact remains that France has taken a clearly anti-American position as it relates to our efforts to rid the world of a heinous dictator who threatens not only our own national security, but that of many other countries worldwide. As a country, France is disgracing the men and women who fought for their own freedoms now and in wars past.
It is reasonable for Americans to deplore such actions by a country. It is shameful. Many feel that because of the French Governments actions that a "scorched earth" mentality towards everything French is in order. (Meaning if it has anything to do with France it should be boycotted - thus "Freedom Fries and Freedom Toast")
As my initial email indicates I do NOT agree with that mentality, but I do feel that French companies, such as Michelin, have a unique opportunity to rise above the political failures of France and show support for coalition forces.
The intent of my email was not to elicit a defensive "We are not a French company" type response, but to highlight the marketing opportunity that Michelin has now that is rarely presented. This is an opportunity to promote your products and brands to the US Market while also doing what most would feel was just, patriotic, and "American" by supporting those who are protecting our freedoms.
A boycott or ban is not and has not been suggested by me to anyone. I DO NOT SUPPORT A BAN OF MICHELIN PRODUCTS. I realize that some American employees of French based companies might suffer should public opinion towards their employers be damaged and their purchasing decisions shift to American based producers. This may prove to be an unfortunate after effect, but it is not justification to continue purchasing products from other French based companies that funnel profits back to France where their Government is against the United States.
I continue to use and purchase Michelin products with pride. I feel that they are technologically superior and as a company have more support at the consumer level than any other brand. MICHELIN is #1 in product quality in my opinion. I simply want to reiterate that the perception of antiFrance=antiMichelin exists and can not only be neutralized, but turned into an incredible positive by a simple demonstration of support for coalition forces.
Thank you for your time,
Jeff Snell
CEO/Systech Systems & Services
www.systechsystems.com
919.719.2000 x111
I think we are all grateful for Michelin's products and support of the Viper community - I know I am.
Anyone reading this thread should consider all that Michelin has (and continues to do) for us. As I stated in the first line of the first post THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A FLAME THREAD AGAINST TIRE MANUFACTURER.
How about a few posts about what Michelin has done for you and then (seprately in off topic) how you might feel about the French Government!
Thanks, Amen, Halleluiah, Holy Cow, okay hombre, let's go to the track.
Jeff
