The Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Germany was not only about green motoring this year. Organized by one of the largest tire producers in the world, the event was the venue of choice for Michelin to present some of its plans for the future, a future that is, if we are to judge by what was said and showed in Berlin, flat free.
The French tire maker presented during the event a tire concept that is sure to revolutionize the industry. Run-flat or self repairing tires have been shown before, but Michelin's concept promises to bring this breed of rubber into a new realm.
Featuring an interior material that quickly jumps in and fills any puncture that might affect the tire, the concept can withstand punctures from three different five millimeter nails without losing any pressure.
The main challenge for Michelin, who has been toying with the idea if such a rubber for some time now, was to eliminate the vibration which characterized this type of tire before. Apparently, they've managed, as the new product is said to be vibration-free.
According to Michelin, the new tire will be launched on the market sometime in 2014, promising that the self-repairing attributes of it would be maintained for the entire life span of the product. Once it hits the market, it will also open the door for the elimination of the spare tire, one of the choices some of the car makers are going for these days in order to reduce weight and consequently fuel consumption.
The French tire maker presented during the event a tire concept that is sure to revolutionize the industry. Run-flat or self repairing tires have been shown before, but Michelin's concept promises to bring this breed of rubber into a new realm.
Featuring an interior material that quickly jumps in and fills any puncture that might affect the tire, the concept can withstand punctures from three different five millimeter nails without losing any pressure.
The main challenge for Michelin, who has been toying with the idea if such a rubber for some time now, was to eliminate the vibration which characterized this type of tire before. Apparently, they've managed, as the new product is said to be vibration-free.
According to Michelin, the new tire will be launched on the market sometime in 2014, promising that the self-repairing attributes of it would be maintained for the entire life span of the product. Once it hits the market, it will also open the door for the elimination of the spare tire, one of the choices some of the car makers are going for these days in order to reduce weight and consequently fuel consumption.