Maxion and Michelin Try for Pothole Resistant Wheel and Tire
A new technology, developed by Michelin and Maxion Wheels for the passenger car wheel market, incorporates two flexible rubber flanges mounted on a special wheel body to create a flexible wheel that is designed to improve the ride and comfort and also absorbs impacts from potholes and curbs.
The new wheel is compatible with all tires on the market and comprises an alloy rim.
Because car wheels have been increasingly utilizing large shiny alloys as an integral part of all modern car designs, Michelin Chief Operating Officer, Florent Menegaux warned that these modern, “Low profile tires with short sidewalls are much more susceptible to damage on today’s deteriorating roads with myriad potholes.”
Thus, Pieter Klinkers, Maxion Wheels CEO stated that this innovation is “A game changer for wheels; a standard wheel driven through a pothole can damage the tire and potentially crack the alloy rim, putting the safety of driver and passengers at risk. When the Maxion Flexible Wheel hits a pothole, the MICHELIN ACORUS Technology flange flexes and protects the tire and the wheel.”
Maxion and Michelin claim that during pothole tests, a standard rim version punctured the tire at just 28kph whereas the Flexible Wheel with the MICHELIN ACORUS Technology did not puncture, or sustain damage at any speed.
The new Maxion Flexible Wheel with MICHELIN ACORUS Technology helps overcome other shortcomings associated with low profile tires with short sidewalls – comfort and noise levels are both improved due to the flexible rubber flange which sits between the wheel and the tire.
The Maxion Flexible Wheel with MICHELIN ACORUS Technology, launched at the Frankfurt IAA, will initially be sold in 19” and above sizes by the partnership between MICHELIN and Maxion Wheels.
Category: News, Wheels & Tires
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