Michelin, in partnership with General Motors Co., presented a new generation of airless wheel technology for passenger vehicles — the Michelin Uptis Prototype (“Unique Punctureproof Tire System”), at the Movin’On Summit for sustainable mobility in Montreal this week.
The Uptis is based on the fundamentals of Michelin’s Tweel. Like the Tweel, the Uptis uses resin-reinforced fiberglass spokes as load-bearing elements. The wheel hub is integrated and the rubber tread is molded onto the circular platform that attaches to the end of the spokes.
The companies intend to validate the Uptis Prototype with the goal of introducing Uptis on passenger models as early as 2024.
“Uptis demonstrates that Michelin’s vision for a future of sustainable mobility is clearly an achievable dream. Through work with strategic partners like GM, who share our ambitions for transforming mobility, we can seize the future today,” said Florent Menegaux, chief executive officer for Michelin Group
“General Motors is excited about the possibilities that Uptis presents, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Michelin on this breakthrough technology. Uptis is an ideal fit for propelling the automotive industry into the future and a great example of how our customers benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our supplier partners,” said Steve Kiefer, senior vice president, global purchasing and supply chain, General Motors
Read the full press release here.