GM, Michelin Partner on Airless Tires

General Motors Co. is working with Michelin & Cie. to develop airless tires and introduce them in production vehicles by about 2024.

The companies will begin real-world testing of Michelin’s Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System (UPTIS) on a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles in Michigan this year. The tiremaker currently offers UPTIS on John Deere lawn mowers and other agricultural equipment.

The technology uses rubber composites with proprietary fiber-glass resin that fit on traditional wheels. Purported benefits include reduced weight, longer life and no blowouts, according to the partners.

Several other companies are developing similar systems. Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries aims to have production-ready airless tires by 2020.