Yokohama Rubber introduced its Advan ZPS (Zero Pressure System) run-flat tires in Japan in December 2006 and is rolling out the tires in North America and Europe in 2008. The Advan ZPS, the first run-flat in the Advan line-up, is based on self-supporting technology (i.e., it relies on reinforced sidewalls rather than a support ring). It is designed to run 50 miles at 55 mph at zero pressure.
The Advan ZPS line was introduced at the 77th Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. Yokohama’s press release on the show is here.
Yokohama exhibited the Advan ZPS at SEMA 2007, held last November in Las Vegas. According to iTyre.com, the Advan ZPS will be available in 2008 in the US in 13 sizes. Yokohama already offers AVS Sport Run Flats in the US, including two sizes designed specifically for the Corvette C5.
Yokohama is also exhibiting the Advan ZPS at this year’s Autosport International show being held now (January 10-11) in Birmingham, UK. According to Tyres & Accessories magazine, the tires will be available in the UK beginning around the middle of 2008.
In February 2007, Notch Consulting published Prospects for Run-Flat Tires, which covers the global market for run-flats.