I know tires again. Finally replaced them at 9 years, had them inspected at the Coos bay rally and was told it was time, had a great run with them 42k and 9 years can't beat that. I believed in Michel...
The thing is that manfacturers have factories all over the world. It is a world market any more. I had Michelins when new and the lasted flve years, the last two sets have been Toyo's and I would never buy any thing but Toyo's. They are very good tires also.