By CRM staff
Toronto, Ontario – June 7, 2019 – While it might sound like a puffed-up boast, Michelin and General Motors have partnered up to create an airless tire.
On Tuesday, the companies announced their plans at the Movin’On Summit, an event dedicated to sustainable mobility.
Their new invention called Uptis Prototype, which stands for Unique Puncture-proof Tire System, will be able to support vehicles without air by using fiber glass resin and flexible rubber. The prototype looks very similar to an ordinary tire except it has treads in the middle and no side walls.
“Uptis is an ideal fit for propelling the automotive industry into the future,” said Steve Kiefer, GM’s head of global purchasing and supply chain. “[It’s] a great example of how our customers benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our supplier partners.”
GM believes these tires will be better for drivers because it will eliminate difficulties that come with having a flat tire. The company also stated that the tires are good for the environment because they can outlast ordinary tires and use fewer raw materials in its production phase. In fact, Michelin believes that this new tire could decrease the number of tires that people throw away.
The companies will begin testing the tires out on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt vehicles on public roads later this year. Michelin says it hopes the new tire will be for sale at the beginning of 2024.
