The Cholet and Vannes plants have been struggling with the structural changes in the passenger car, light truck, and truck tyre markets.

Michelin will close two manufacturing plants in France, a decision that the tire maker called "unavoidable" and will impact 1,254 employees.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.