Michelin to continue R&D with Hyundai

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Michelin and Hyundai Motor Group will facilitate the development of a new generation of tyres optimised for electric vehicles (EVs). The three-year agreement, a follow-up to the partnership of November 2017 that resulted in an exclusive Michelin tyre for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, covers joint work on tyres containing an increased level of eco-friendly materials, tyres optimised for next-generation EVs as well as a real-time tyre monitoring system for autonomous vehicles.

The two companies signed the MoU at a Hyundai’s Namyang Research Center on 17 June, with Georges Levy, executive vice-president of automotive original equipment, signing on behalf of Michelin and Bong-soo Kim, vice president and head of Hyundai’s Chassis Development Center, representing the vehicle manufacturer.

Tech for safer, cleaner mobility

“The collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin over the past five years contributed to the successful launch of the Hyundai Ioniq 5,” says Levy. “We are pleased to announce that the relationship has been extended for three more years to continue our work together on new technologies in favour of safer, cleaner mobility. The association between Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin is founded on the same vision and on a shared passion for excellence, performance and innovation that have become increasingly essential factors as we rise to the mobility-related challenges we all face today.”

Bong-soo Kim believes Hyundai’s partnership with Michelin will result in “real innovations in tyre technology,” thereby “solidifying Hyundai Motor Group’s position as a leader in the smart mobility industry.” Kim adds: “By fully leveraging our mobility technology and Michelin’s tyre expertise, we are confident in our ability to achieve ground-breaking innovations in tyre performance enhancement and create synergies in this organic collaboration.”

Improving driver comfort

Next-generation tyres resulting from the collaboration will find their way onto Hyundai Motor Group’s future EV models. Hyundai considers the deployment of new tyre technology “critical” to meeting durability requirements as well as expected driving performance and electric efficiency under high load as the driving range of EVs continues to increase.

Hyundai and Michelin also plan to conduct joint research to analyse tyre wear, tyre load and road friction beyond the current standards of tyre temperature and air pressure. The partners expect that new tyres resulting from the collaboration will “significantly improve drivers’ ride comfort” by reducing vibration and noise generated by EVs at high speeds.

They will also explore ways to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in tyres to about 50 per cent of the total tire weight, up from the current level of 20 per cent.