Taking the stress out of flat tyres

A radial tyre for agricultural and commercial applications that runs without air called Tweel — is going into production at a new Michelin plant in the US.

Combining the words ‘tyre’ and ‘wheel’, Tweel was conceived by Michelin research engineers during their search to find an alternative to the pneumatic tyre.

First introduced as a concept at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Tweel consists of a non-pneumatic tyre and wheel assembly made in one solid unit, with an outer moulded tread connected to an inner rim structure by energy-absorbing polyurethane ‘spokes’.

Restricted to agricultural and commercial applications initially, it is designed to solve what Michelin describes as the unavoidable challenge of chronic flat tyres. Experts believe the Tweel could become common on cars.

It is being produced at Michelin’s plant at Piedmont, South Carolina.