Michelin Uptis Airless Tires
Michelin's Uptis tires are an acronym for Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System. They aim to bring airless tires, and in turn safer, more reliable travel, to both private and commercial drivers by eliminating the dangers and costs of flat tires and blowouts.
Non-pneumatic tires do already exist, initially created for military applications, and seen here before on the Polaris Sportsman WV850 ATV. So Michelin hasn't exactly, uh, reinvented the wheel with their Uptis airless tires. But they have engineered this particular design, partnering with GM to co-develop and research the tires as viable options for on-road passenger vehicles. They are looking to make Uptis tires available by 2024.
In addition to granting tires immunity from punctures and road hazards - not to mention freeing drivers from the stupid prices some gas stations charge for air - Michelin says Uptis will reduce the number of tires sent to the scrap yard, plus the volume of raw materials and energy used in tire production.