Michelin Top Ranked Tire Manufacturer in New J. D. Powers Study
The day after consumers rated Michelin's tires above all others in J. D. Powers and Associates 2004 Original Equipment Tire
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| Say goodbye to the classic compressed air tire in areas where rough roads are prevalent, that is if Michelin engineers have their way and continue development of the revolutionary new "airless" Tweel tire. (Photo: Michelin Canada) |
Compressed air has been the backbone of the tire industry since pneumatic or inflatable tires were invented, a discovery that predates the automobile depending on which inventor gets credited. Most accounts give title to Scottish veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the first practical pneumatic tire, first used on bicycles and patented in 1888. Robert William Thomson, however, invented the first vulcanized rubber pneumatic tire, patented in 1845. While his invention worked well it was too costly for accepted widespread use.
The airless tire, specifically designed to withstand the harsh road conditions of growing markets such as China and India, will not puncture. In a similar fashion to how automakers unveil concept vehicles at the world's top-tier auto shows, Michelin has chosen its home market
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| Michelin has stated it wants to make the airless tires available for "motorcycles, cars and heavier vehicles". (Photo: Michelin Canada) |
The new wheels and tires, which Michelin has stated it wants to make adaptable to "motorcycles, cars and heavier vehicles," are produced out of elastic, meaning they can absorb shock at higher rates than pneumatic tires while allowing for a smoother ride over rough road surfaces.
"There is a robustness that is especially designed for fast-growing markets, like China and India, where the roads and infrastructure are not as well developed as ours," commented Didier Miraton, head of research and development at Michelin.