Further award for Nexen’s tread-replenishing experimental tyre

A concept from Nexen Tire that allows motorists to simply replace their tyre’s tread rather than the entire tyre has been acknowledged at this year’s Red Dot Design Awards. The Green Hive tyre, which possesses a “rechargeable tread,” has been awarded in the ‘Design Concept’ award category.

The idea behind the Green Hive wheel unit, which combines a rim and tyre, is that motorists simply buy and replenish depleted treads. The wheel acts as a mould and tread compound can be inserted inside; when heat is applied, this compound is pushed through tread-shaped holes in the wheel. The concept has already been acknowledged at the 2014 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), 2015 A’ Design Award and Competition and 2016 Green Good Design Awards.

“Being the recipient of multiple world class global design awards highlights Nexen Tire’s capabilities. We will continue to innovate and grow into a world leader in the international tyre market,” said Han Min-hyun, vice-president and R&D director at Nexen Tire. He added: “The company will put further efforts to develop innovative and pioneering products through continuous research and development.”

The Red Dot Design Award ceremony will take place on 22 September, and wining products will be showcased in the Red Dot Design Museum located in Singapore.