Michelin: today's developments for tomorrow's innovations
16 september 2009
At the 63rd International Frankfurt Motor Show, Michelin is presenting three innovative products for vehicles - the MICHELIN ENERGY™ Saver tire, the first prototype of a Michelin tire for electric vehicles, and the MICHELIN Active Wheel.
These three innovations, presented on the tire manufacturer's stand, are designed to illustrate the three phases that structure the activity of Michelin's Technology Center.
From 0 to 2 years - a period for short-term improvements to current tires and the development of innovations that improve their performance. One such tire is the MICHELIN ENERGY™ Saver, which was introduced to the European replacement market in 2008.
From 2 to 5 years - a period for creating technological solutions for tomorrow's market and attempting to push the boundaries of what is possible. In Frankfurt, at the same time as car manufacturers are presenting their future electric vehicles, Michelin is presenting its first prototype tire for electric vehicles.
Looking further into the future, Michelin is making innovative breakthroughs and taking a technological step forward in the field of tire development, anticipating alternative solutions to improve the mobility of goods and people.
The MICHELIN Active Wheel, which is being showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is a prime example of such innovation. The MICHELIN Active Wheel combines a motor and a suspension system (both electric) in the wheel itself.
Whatever the time frame and type of innovation, Michelin always strives to improve the various characteristics of a tire that are theoretically difficult to combine, and to achieve the best possible balance between them.
All three of Michelin's innovations presented in Frankfurt reflect this philosophy.
When the issue of rational use of the world's energy resources has become one of the main concerns of the entire automotive industry, Michelin is helping to reduce the negative impact of road traffic on the environment, while fulfilling its commitment to improving safety performance.
These three innovations, presented on the tire manufacturer's stand, are designed to illustrate the three phases that structure the activity of Michelin's Technology Center.
From 0 to 2 years - a period for short-term improvements to current tires and the development of innovations that improve their performance. One such tire is the MICHELIN ENERGY™ Saver, which was introduced to the European replacement market in 2008.
From 2 to 5 years - a period for creating technological solutions for tomorrow's market and attempting to push the boundaries of what is possible. In Frankfurt, at the same time as car manufacturers are presenting their future electric vehicles, Michelin is presenting its first prototype tire for electric vehicles.
Looking further into the future, Michelin is making innovative breakthroughs and taking a technological step forward in the field of tire development, anticipating alternative solutions to improve the mobility of goods and people.
The MICHELIN Active Wheel, which is being showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is a prime example of such innovation. The MICHELIN Active Wheel combines a motor and a suspension system (both electric) in the wheel itself.
Whatever the time frame and type of innovation, Michelin always strives to improve the various characteristics of a tire that are theoretically difficult to combine, and to achieve the best possible balance between them.
All three of Michelin's innovations presented in Frankfurt reflect this philosophy.
When the issue of rational use of the world's energy resources has become one of the main concerns of the entire automotive industry, Michelin is helping to reduce the negative impact of road traffic on the environment, while fulfilling its commitment to improving safety performance.