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.”