Michelin has been hard at work developing tires that not only provide a better drive but a safer one as well. The latest innovation is the Michelin ACORUS Flexible Wheel, created together with leading wheel maker Maxion Wheels. This innovative piece of kit recently received an award from the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA).
The 2018 Innovation Award was bestowed on the two companies for their joint efforts to produce a tire that will provide a more comfortable ride and drive as well as one that will help reduce tire damage due to bad road conditions. It’s no secret that a lot of tires don’t see their full potential life cycle because they are damaged by large potholes and road ruts. This, in turn, leads to a lot of them being thrown out.
Michelin and Maxion’s ACORUS Flexible Wheel helps eliminate this by integrating the wheel and tire with two rubber flanges. These flanges absorb the impact of road ruts, potholes, and other road imperfections. This in turn helps provide a more comfortable ride, a more stable drive, and better overall handling.
Moreover, the design is meant to be used with different types and sizes of tires. It likewise reduces tire damage, which means longer tire life. And yes, less waste material.
The 2018 Innovation Award was given at an awards ceremony in The Hague, Netherlands.
