LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Michelin Truck Tires has topped the list of heavy-duty tire manufacturers in the latest J.D. Powers and Associates study.

It was the first time heavy-duty tires have been part of the well-respected annual study, which polled more than 2,800 users of Class 8 trucks.

Although no awards were given out for the category in its inaugural year, Michelin ranked highest in value, wearability/tread life and overall customer satisfaction.

Lynn Mann, public relations manager of Michelin, says the company was elated with the findings.

“This is the first time ever that J.D. Powers and Associates has included information about heavy-duty truck tires,” says Mann. “Although we didn’t win an award, we did top the manufacturers and we are no strangers to J.D. Powers.”

The company has won awards for its light trucks and passenger cars in the past.

Randy Clark, vice-president of marketing for Michelin Americas Truck Tires, says “Michelin is extremely proud of its ranking by customers in this study. Michelin has always been interested in customer satisfaction and we look forward to evaluating our progress in the heavy-duty truck tire market.”

The company found out about its impressive placing yesterday, as it prepared to launch two new wide-based singles to its X-One line of tires at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.