Michelin and other makers of run-flat tires have been attempting to penetrate the American new-vehicle market for over 17 years. While the thought of not having to change a flat tire is a good concept in theory, because the tires cost two to five times more than a typical tire, consumers haven't been willing to open up their pocketbooks.
Added to that, as a result of a recent settlement with disgruntle owners of Michelin run-flat tires, Honda, which is one of the few automakers equipping its vehicles with the high-end tire, has decided to drop the tires for the 2010 production model year. Over the years a number of Honda's customers have complained of the tires being out-of-round, being super expensive to replace out-of-warranty and extremely difficult to locate a repair shop who carried replacement tires.
While Honda may have opted out of the high-end tires, some of GM's, BMW's and Lexus's vehicles will continue to wear the tires. So, this latest blow doesn't help to roll the tire forward - no pun intended.
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