Goodyear's Extended Mobility Tire (EMT) can be fitted to conventional wheels and features reinforced sidewall inserts and a low pressure warning system that allows consumers continued operation of their vehicles if a complete loss of air pressure occurs.
Michelin's PAX system consists of a tire with a unique bead lock, a run-flat insert, a special wheel, and a tire pressure warning system.
|
Goodyear and Michelin announced in June that they will cooperate on run-flat tire systems. Their research and development of the advanced technology is intended to satisfy growing consumer demand for increased comfort, improved handling, and security. Run-flat systems also provide automakers with greater opportunities in vehicle design and use of interior space and styling flexibility. Their innovations should lead to advances in rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption.
One goal of the joint venture is to help address driver concerns of managing loss of air pressure. Because checking air pressure on a regular basis can be an inconvenience, and changing a tire on a busy road or in an unfamiliar location can be unsafe, run-flat systems will give increased security and convenience by enabling users to continue driving on a tire without air pressure until it can be serviced.
Each company brings run-flat system experience to the joint venture, which will be headquartered in The Netherlands. Goodyear will license its extended mobility technology (EMT) and pressure-monitoring system patents to Michelin, and Michelin will license the PAX system to Goodyear. These technologies will become the foundation for developments of future-generation run-flat systems.
In 1994 Goodyear launched its EMT, which is designed to fit conventional wheels. If a complete loss of air pressure occurs, the EMT tire, with reinforced sidewall inserts and a low pressure warning system, allows consumers to drive their vehicles until they can reach a service facility. In 1996, Michelin launched the PAX system, which consists of four key features: a tire with a unique bead lock; a run-flat insert that allows the vehicle to continue operating if tire pressure is lost; a special wheel that accommodates both the unique bead and the run-flat insert; and a tire pressure warning system.
After an analysis of other tire/wheel combinations, Goodyear and Michelin decided that the PAX system was the best platform for incorporation of future tire concepts into new vehicle designs. Initially, Goodyear and Michelin will focus on accelerating the availability of the current PAX system. For OEM customers that want to have run-flat capability on conventional wheels, both companies will continue to propose solutions utilizing EMT technologies and their improvements. The agreements allow Goodyear to explore incorporation of its EMT technology into the PAX system, while Michelin will take advantage of Goodyear's background in run-flat technologies, including tires, pressure monitoring systems, run-flat inserts, and lubricants.
To accelerate the widespread commercial availability of future run-flat systems to consumers, the companies will offer easy access to interchangeable parts through a global network of trained service technicians when maintenance and service are required. To ensure competition, both companies will continue to compete in the sale of run-flat systems and the provision of aftermarket services.
Kevin Jost
AEI September 2000
For more information, circle 228 & 229
