Tyre maker Michelin plans to close two of its French factories, affecting about 1,250 workers, it said on Tuesday as Europe's embattled automotive sector comes under increasing pressure.

The French company Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automobile tires, announced its intention to close two factories in France by no later than the beginning of 2026,

Michelin factory workers burnt tyres in western France on Tuesday and vowed to stage a strike after the tyre company said it would close two plants by early 2026 over collapsing sales.

Michelin will close two factories in France by early 2026 affecting about 1,250 jobs, the French tyre maker said on Tuesday, the latest cutback in a European auto industry battling subdued demand and cheap Asian competition.

Michelin is planning to shut two plants in France over the coming 15-18 months, due to the “profound transformation” of passenger and truck tire markets in Europe over the past decade.

More bad news for European tyre making has arrived with in the form of Michelin’s decision to close its Cholet and Vannes plants in France by early 2026 at the latest. The company announced this planned measure to the two facilities’ 1,

Michelin will close two factories in France by early 2026 affecting about 1,200 jobs, the French tyre maker said on Tuesday, the latest cutback in an European auto industry battling subdued demand and cheap Asian competition.