Michelin Plant in Vitoria to Embed RFID Chips in Tires
Why this is here: The Vitoria plant aims to equip eight million tires with RFID chips this year, anticipating new European regulations regarding tire traceability and pollution control.
Michelin’s Vitoria plant plans to become the first globally to fit all tires with RFID chips. The factory currently produces roughly eight million tires annually and employs 3,500 people. The chips will initially store data on tire type and dimensions, aiding manufacturers with stock management.
The plant is launching two new premium tire lines: Michelin Primacy 5 Energy, already in production, and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Energy. Primacy 5 Energy tires, a replacement for the e-Primacy line, offer improved braking—up to 8% better—and 30% better grip than competitors, according to Michelin.
European regulations requiring tire traceability by 2029 drive the RFID chip implementation. Michelin invests an average of 1.2 billion euros annually in innovation to compete with approximately 200 Chinese tire brands entering the European market.