GREENVILLE, S.C. and MILPITAS, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelin
North America, Inc., the global leader in the tire industry, and Palm, Inc.,
the leading provider of handheld organizers, today announced a special offer
for tire buyers. The promotion brings together the two companies for the
first time.
For a limited time, March 30 through May 10, 2003, consumers purchasing
any four new Michelin(R) brand light truck/SUV or passenger car tires will
receive a mail-in certificate for a free Palm(TM) Zire(TM) handheld computer
with a retail value of $99. The offer will be promoted online at
http://www.michelinman.com and through more than 15,000 participating Michelin
retailers in the United States.
Made for first-time handheld users who need an easy way to organize a busy
life, the Palm Zire handheld is the fastest-selling handheld computer in
history. Sleek and light, the Palm Zire handheld allows people to carry the
information they need, anywhere they go. The Zire handheld was named as a
best product of 2002 by Business Week, PC Magazine and others, and helps
students, families and individuals in business meet the demands of juggling
their calendars, ever-changing addresses and "to do's" as well as other
activities. The Palm Zire handheld includes Palm's easy-to-use personal
information applications so users can quickly keep track of important
information.
"Michelin constantly strives to understand our customers' needs and to
provide them with the best technology available. We're accomplishing both
goals by working with Palm," said Sheryl Henderson, director of Michelin
Brand. "Palm is the No. 1 name in its field and Michelin is a leader in
light-truck and passenger car tires."
"Companies like Michelin that are bringing the Palm Zire handheld to
customers are infusing new growth in the handheld computer category," said
Michael Buhr, senior director of business marketing for Palm Solutions Group.
"Because of the brand and value associated with the Zire handheld, we are now
starting to see a new class of customer being associated with handhelds."
Michelin and Palm will provide extensive multi-media support to the
promotion, including:

* National Programs -- Internet-based advertising by Michelin and direct-
mail to more than one million Michelin tire consumers.

* Local Outreach -- Point of purchase displays featuring the Palm Zire
handheld and the Michelin Man, as well as print and radio advertisements
developed for the promotion.

* E-Mail Newsletter -- Inclusion of promotion icon and details in the
April edition of "Palm Voice," an email newsletter broadcast monthly to
2.5 million registered Palm handheld users.

* Web Site Tie-ins -- Promotion icon and details highlighted on the
Palm.com Web site and a hyperlink between the site and Michelin's spring
promotion web page (http://www.michelinman.com).

* Special Offers -- A special page on the Palm Web site
(http://www.palm.com/michelin) for information about these offers:
- A $29.95 Zire handheld travel bundle (retail value $50)
- Additional savings on Palm handheld computers

About Michelin
Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including
airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty
trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps
and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in
Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 24,640 and operates 22 plants
in 18 locations.

About Palm, Inc.
With shipment of more than 21 million Palm handheld computers, many
carried in pockets, purses and briefcases around the world, Palm delivers
devices that make it easy for people to use and keep track of what matters to
them.
Information about Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) is available at
http://www.palm.com/aboutpalm.

Palm and Zire are trademarks of Palm, Inc. Other brands may be trademarks
of their respective owners.

SOURCE Michelin North America, Inc.