Saturday 2 May 2015

In memory of Francois Michelin .. 1926-2015

François Michelin, the grandson of the founder Edouard,  passed away on Wednesday 29th April at the age of 89. He was a great visionary and innovator and the name Michelin will always be associated with motorsport, particularly at Le Mans. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest have chosen to honour the memory of this  important captain of industry.

Between 1952 and 1999 François Michelin was at the head of the group that was created by his grand-father, Edouard Michelin and his great-uncle in 1832. He was a farsighted leader who built up the company while pushing forward innovation. He gave his unwavering support to radial technology as well as expanding the company on the international scene.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “With the death of François Michelin France has lost one of its great industrial tycoons. He defended social values among his personnel and perfection for his firm. We have also lost a friend given the very strong links between Michelin and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to proudly fly the flag of innovative technology through a conception of motor sport at the service of everybody. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest sends its sincerest condolences to his family, his friends and all the collaborators of the Michelin Group.”