Michelin to Produce Durable Airless Tire in Future

Miraton added that designs for future wheel and tire packages, such as the Airless Wheel and Tweel tire, could use a wider

Michelin claims the new airless wheel and Tweel tire package will be ready for market by 2014. (Photo: Michelin Canada)

range of materials, which would make Michelin less reliant on natural rubber, an expensive component incorporated into all tires currently available.

No doubt Michelin feels it can overcome the general reaction for elastic to bounce, which would be cause for instability when applied to car tires. Miraton did not comment on this issue, but said that the Tweed tire would improve reaction to road conditions and especially when turning corners.

Between now and 2014, when Michelin believes its new tire technology will be ready for primetime, it will remain the brand of choice among consumers. Proof of this comes via J.D. Power and Associates' 2004 Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, which placed Michelin North America Inc. products in the topmost position within three of four segments.

Altogether, 14 tire suppliers were included in the study that surveyed in excess of 31,000 new-car customers in the U.S. who purchased their vehicles in 2002 and 2003. The research firm rated tiremakers in four segments: pickup/full-size van, SUV, luxury/sport and

The lovable Bibendum "Michelin Man" won the distinction of the "Best Logo of the Century" in 2000. (Photo: Michelin Canada)

non-luxury. Customer satisfaction was ranked by tire appearance, handling, traction, and durability.

Michelin ranked on top in all but the pickup/full-size van segment, in which Goodyear took first place. Still, a third place finish in the pickup/full-size van segment is nothing to be concerned over. The French tire manufacturer missed the second placement because of a strong showing from BF Goodrich.

Of interest, the J. D. Power study also deduced that about 19 percent of all surveyed experienced problems with tires in the first year of purchasing their vehicles.

Knowledge of such poor statistics from rival tire manufacturers will only bolster the French tiremaker's hold on the market, and make the lovable Bibendum "Michelin Man" smile even wider.