Innovation awards for Michelin airless prototype tyre

Michelin’s prototype puncture-proof tyre UPTIS (Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System) has won a hat-trick of innovation awards. The airless tyre has been recognised with the Golden Steering Wheel Award 2019 in Germany, the Coyote Automobile Award 2020 in France and the AVT ACES (Autonomous Vehicle Technology – Autonomy Connectivity Electrification Mobility Services) Award 2020 in the USA.

These prestigious prizes were awarded respectively by the German press group Auto Bild, the European community Coyote and the American magazine Autonomous Vehicle Technology. They rewarded Michelin UPTIS in the innovation and tyre of the year categories, highlighting its exceptional technological advances. Unveiled by Michelin last June at the Movin’ On 2019 summit dedicated to sustainable mobility, Michelin UPTIS, the airless tyre, represents a major innovation both in terms of safety and respect for the environment.

The prototype is designed to eliminate risk of punctures, optimising productivity, and to reduce the use of raw materials, promoting sustainable mobility.

These awards are the recognition of nearly ten years of research by Michelin teams. The UPTIS prototype has already been the subject of more than 50 patents related to the design of its structure and its high-tech materials. It fully illustrates Michelin’s capacity for innovation to promote safer, more efficient, more accessible and environmentally-friendly mobility.

“These three prestigious awards are a great source of pride for Michelin’s men and women They represent a major breakthrough innovation in the tyre industry and demonstrate the relevance of Michelin’s efforts in terms of innovation and sustainable mobility,” said Florent Menegaux, president of the Michelin Group.