When Michelin Connected Fleet launched in Australia at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, it wasn’t just a showcase of technology — it was a reflection of three years of groundwork laid by Franck Estoquié and his local team. Known affectionately as “Frank,” the French-born Country Manager has spent nearly three decades navigating the global transport sector, bringing deep expertise in fleet solutions to Australia’s demanding heavy-vehicle environment.
A Global Journey, Grounded in Local Insights
Franck’s career began in France and spanned postings in Taiwan, mainland China, and India, where he led Michelin’s global digital innovation centre. After pioneering work with telematics and fleet solutions across emerging and developed markets, he was tasked with launching Michelin Connected Fleet in Australia.
“I’ve been here almost three years now,” Franck said at the show. “The first time we came to BTS, the brand wasn’t known. This time, we’re active. We’ve brought real customer testimonials, real data — not concepts — and real solutions.”
Real-World Impact: From Tyre Alerts to Trailer Safety
The highlight of Michelin’s BTS presence was the Australian debut of its “Trailer Premium” solution. More than just a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the platform provides real-time alerts for both tyre pressure and temperature — a critical advantage when trailers suffer undetected bearing or brake issues.
“By the time you see smoke, it’s already too late,” Franck explained. “We alert operators at 70, 80, 90 degrees — well before a fire risk becomes visible.”
Freestone Transport, a major operator in long-haul freight, experienced the benefits first-hand. After upgrading 130 trailers, the company saw tyre-related breakdowns drop by 90% in just 12 months. “You don’t have to check tyre pressures anymore, and that’s a huge saving,” said Director Paul Freestone. “The biggest issues are tyre failure and brakes getting hot — now we know the problem straight away.”
More Than Tyres: Proactive Solutions for Complex Fleets
Franck is passionate about helping fleets move from reactive to proactive maintenance. He shared that Michelin’s Truck Plus and Connectedfleet Starter solutions deliver fuel savings of at least 4% — backed not by marketing claims, but by client-submitted data.
“We don’t just sell devices,” he said. “We work with fleets over time. We identify blind spots, support the teams, and help them change how they manage safety and costs.”
One client even traced multiple punctures back to debris in a loading yard — a discovery made possible by historical data that pinpointed the exact times and locations of tyre damage.
The “Boom Boom Bar” Problem
In classic Franck style, he didn’t shy away from calling out traditional practices. One example? The “boom boom bar,” a metal rod used to knock tyres and guess pressure by sound.
“It’s not accurate. We’ve done tests — tyres with 40 PSI go unnoticed. That’s dangerous,” he said. “Our system alerts you before the truck leaves the yard. You save tyres, avoid roadside breakdowns, and keep your drivers safe.”
Australia: A Mature Market, A New Opportunity
Franck’s view of Australia is clear: this is a mature transport market that knows where its vehicles are — but needs integrated, data-driven solutions to improve performance, compliance, and safety.
“We’re not here to replace systems. We work with your team, your processes. We identify issues and solve them. It’s about being part of your team,” he said.
With regulatory pressures rising and maintenance staff hard to find, solutions like Michelin Connected Fleet offer a way to do more with less — while also reducing unplanned downtime, improving safety, and extending tyre life.
For Franck, BTS wasn’t just a trade show — it was the culmination of years of learning, listening, and building local partnerships.
“We’re happy in Australia,” he said. “The Brisbane Truck Show gave us the chance to share our solutions and customer stories. That’s how we approach the market — not with pretty words, but with proof.”
As Michelin Connected Fleet takes root in Australia, Franck’s global experience, customer-first mindset, and commitment to real-world outcomes are proving to be powerful assets for fleets ready to embrace the future.
