Jeep Trailhawk Sports Concept Rubber

The Jeep Trailhawk concept vehicle displayed at this year’s Detroit auto show has given Goodyear a golden opportunity to display its own concept products. The hefty-looking Trailhawk sits upon specially crafted tyres and large five-spoke 22-inch wheels. The total combined diameter of the wheel and tyre is a massive 34 inches.

The North American International Auto Show provides an unparalleled opportunity for designers from Goodyear and other tyre manufacturers to showcase their considerable talents. And often the praise for designing a successful product can be very understated. Paul Maxwell, Goodyear’s principal designer, likened the recognition his team receives to that given to a baseball umpire. “If no one even notices the umpire during a game, he’s probably doing a good job,” explained Maxwell. “Likewise, if we have done our jobs well, people won’t necessarily notice, but if they do, they see value and distinction.”