GREENVILLE, S.C., June 23 -- Going once, going twice, sold - for the highest donation! This summer, the Michelin Man's private collection of bobblehead dolls will be on a virtual auction block to help Michelin North America, Inc. donate $250,000 to Special Olympics.

Collectors can outbid one another for the Michelin Man's bobblehead collection from June 23 through July 3, 2003 on www.eBay.com. The bobblehead set is comprised of mint condition dolls including two Michelin Man bobbleheads (one is signed for Special Olympics by basketball player Grant Hill); basketball player Shaquille O'Neal (limited edition); baseball player, Mickey Mantle (special edition); NASCAR driver, Richard Petty; scientist, Albert Einstein; patriotic figure, Uncle Sam; film icons, Darth Vader (limited edition) and Rocky Balboa; cartoon characters, Dick Tracy, Yogi Bear, Betty Boop, and Mr. Magoo; and cereal icon, Tony The Tiger(R).

"The Michelin Man is personified in our new advertising campaign to have both humor and heart, and putting this collection on the market helps us show both sides of this icon," says Sheryl Henderson, director of Michelin Brand, Michelin North America, Inc. "The Michelin Man bobblehead collection is a truly unique, fun way to get the public involved in helping us raise money for Special Olympics. We can't wait to see how much money these distinctive little dolls contribute."

To bid on the collection, visit www.eBay.com and look for the Michelin Man bobblehead collection link under the Featured Items section on the home page. For more information about the auction, please visit www.michelinman.com.

The auction for the Michelin Man's private collection was inspired by the creation of the new Michelin Man(TM) bobblehead, as seen in current television commercials. Collectors can also purchase the Michelin Man(TM) bobblehead dolls online for $22, including shipping, at www.michelinman.com from June 1 through July 31, 2003. A portion of the proceeds from every Michelin Man(TM) bobblehead doll sold will benefit Special Olympics.

"The online auction is valuable for both the collectors and Special Olympics," says Libby Andrews, director, Corporate Development, Special Olympics. "The highest bidder will receive an eclectic assortment of bobbleheads to add to their collection and they will also demonstrate their support for our athletes."

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation. More than one million athletes in over 150 countries train and compete in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with mental retardation continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their families and community. Athletes and their families are not charged a fee to participate in Special Olympics.

Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org or on AOL Keyword: Special Olympics

About Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 24,640 people and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.