Michelin supports Citroen DS 60th anniversary

Michelin is standing alongside DS enthusiasts to celebrate the brand's 60th anniversary and pursuing this commitment by working with its teams and equipping all models of the DS sold in Europe.

Michelin has always maintained very strong relations with Citro?n since the carmaker's founding in 1919. In 1934, the Group was Citro?n's majority stakeholder before passing the reins to Peugeot SA in 1974.

During this period some highly original models that have since become cult collector's items were created. These include the revolutionary TUB utility vehicle in 1939, the popular 2CV in 1948 as well as the innovative DS in 1955. Never would a carmaker have taken the risk to begin series production of such vehicles without the backing of Michelin's unrivaled spirit of innovation.

Michelin's senior executives during this period (Pierre Michelin between 1935 and 1937, Pierre Boulanger between 1938 and 1950, Robert Puiseux between 1950 and 1958, then Fran?ois Michelin) felt very strongly about automobiles and were personally involved in defining and developing vehicles. They also encouraged atypical engineers to devise original solutions that revolutionised the way cars were designed and used.

The DS, such as it appeared in 1955, was the inspiration of Robert Puiseux (photo opposite) who was looking for the roomy, comfortable, safe "car of his dreams." He took the risks needed to attain this ambitious goal, introducing new technology on a series-produced car. Motorists needed to relearn how to drive and garage mechanics needed special training to repair and maintain the new model. It was an incredible, risky wager but one that completely redefined the standards of automobile comfort and safety.

The DS was the first car with a suspension system designed for the radial tyre, thus enabling it to deliver outstanding performance. The combination of Citro?n and Michelin technologies gave birth to a vehicle that was exceptional at this time. The DS has always been fitted with Michelin tyres and adopted successive generations of tyres, including the X and XAS. The first versions of the DS also featured a Michelin wheel with a central fixing point that made it easier to change in the event of a flat tyre.

• Michelin and the DS have three powerful character traits in common:
• Bold technology.Motorsports, from the original DS to the DS3 WRC with which legendary driver S?bastien Loeb won several world championship titles.
• Research and development. The DS's adjustable suspension system has made it possible to conduct very precise trials and Michelin has transformed many of these systems. This creative spirit is reflected in the Mille Pattes (or centipede) used to test truck tyres at high speeds, which is on display at L'Aventure Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand.