This really happened! When Michelin-General Motors took air out of tyres for passenger vehicles - Testing and plans

It was a big moment at Movin’On Summit for sustainable mobility when mobility company Michelin and auto giant General Motors (GM) presented a new generation of airless wheel technology for passenger vehicles — the MICHELIN Uptis Prototype Unique Punctureproof Tire System. Michelin and GM also announced a joint research agreement under which the companies intend to validate the Uptis Prototype with the goal of introducing Uptis on passenger models as early as 2024.

Uptis Prototype testing on Chevrolet Bolt EV

Michelin and GM are testing the Uptis Prototype, beginning with vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Later this year, the companies will initiate real-world testing of Uptis on a test fleet of Bolt EV vehicles in Michigan.

Uptis Prototype: Benefits

- "Because Uptis is airless, the breakthrough wheel assembly eliminates the dangerous risk of flat tires and blowouts," Michelin said in a statement.

- "Drivers of passenger vehicles feel safer on the road."

- "Operators of passenger vehicle fleets minimize downtime and improve efficiency resulting from flat tires and near-zero levels of maintenance."

- "Society at large benefits from extraordinary environmental savings through reduced use of raw materials for replacement tire or spare tire production."

Florent Menegaux, chief executive officer for Michelin Group, says “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.”

“General Motors is excited about the possibilities that Uptis presents, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Michelin on this breakthrough technology,” said Steve Kiefer, senior vice president, global purchasing and supply chain, General Motors.