Tire System

Michelin North America, Inc.tem is an integrated system offering improved performance, mobility, security and major options in vehicle design. The system encompasses the tire and wheel into one unit utilizing vertical anchoring, a technique for attaching the tire to the wheel rim. This is accomplished through use of a bead area that anchors the tire to the wheel and eliminates the transitional zone between wheel and sidewall. In addition, the tire is mechanically locked against the wheel to make losing the tire during a blowout impossible.

The tire provides lower rolling resistance for improved fuel economy while offering improved handling, security and mobility at zero pressure without affecting other tire qualities. For improved security, the system includes a low tire-pressure monitor that warns the driver of air-pressure loss in the tire. At zero pressure, the tire rests against a support ring to allow the tire to turn freely and the vehicle to travel at speeds of 55 mph for 125 miles. The system also impacts vehicle design. Because the transitional zone—the space between the sidewall and wheel on traditional tires—is eliminated, smaller tires can be utilized for vehicle design. Combined with the elimination of the spare tire, this means added wheel-well space for trunk room, engine components or additional wheel technologies.

<%=company%>, One Parkway South, Greenville, SC 296515. Phone: 964-458-5000; Fax: 864-458-6359.