Michelin unveils airless tire prototype at Movin’On Summit mobility event

The new prototype is part of Michelin’s Vision concept for innovation that it is airless, connected, 3D-printed and fully sustainable.

“Uptis demonstrates that Michelin’s vision for a future of sustainable mobility is clearly an achievable dream,” said Florent Menegaux, chief executive of Michelin.

The renewable tire could save as many as 200 million tires worldwide from being scrapped every year as a result of punctures, damage from road hazards or improper air pressure that causes uneven wear, according to Eric Vinesse, executive vice president of research and development of Group Michelin.

“The Uptis prototype demonstrates Michelin’s capacity for innovation – in both the mastery of these high-tech materials and also the development approach in close collaboration with GM, which validates our Vision concept as a roadmap for innovation,” Vinesse said.

While not available on commercial vehicles yet, the ground-breaking improvements in architecture and composite materials allow Uptis to bear the car’s weight at road speeds.

“The vehicles and fleets of tomorrow – whether autonomous, all-electric, shared service or other applications – will demand near-zero maintenance from the tire to maximize their operating capabilities,’ said Steve Kiefer, senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain of General Motors.