GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 1, 2016 —Michelin has developed a patented “2 in 1 tire” solution that adjusts pressure and usage, allowing farmers to operate more efficiently in the field or on the road. This new technology recently earned the prestigious 2017 Innovation Gold Medal at SIMA, the Paris International Agri-Business Show for high-performance and sustainable agriculture.
Working at ultra-low pressures while in the field, the tire’s contact patch increases in size up to 20 percent (1) to reduce soil compaction. While working at higher pressures on the road, the tire transforms so that only the central continuous tread band grips the pavement, resulting in a smoother, vibration-free ride, fuel savings and improved safety. This is great news for farmer’s who want the extra operational comfort but are challenged to deliver sustainable crop yields at affordable prices.
“It is a privilege to receive the SIMA Innovation Gold Medal on behalf of the dedicated, hardworking teams at Michelin,” said Emmanuel Ladent, Director of Michelin’s Agriculture Business Unit. “The ‘2 in 1 tire’ is a real game-changer. This is the latest in the line of innovative new tire technologies brought to the market by Michelin, such as Ultraflex technology and the Connected tire, and we eagerly anticipate the first presentation of this ‘2 in 1 tire’ at SIMA in March 2017.”
MICHELIN Ultraflex Technology, developed in 2004 with the introduction of the MICHELIN XEOBIB® tire, is the breakthrough mobility innovation for agriculture that makes the ever-increasing power and weight of today’s farm machinery more efficient. Michelin was the first tire manufacturer to introduce high-flexion tires in North America and the first tire in the industry rated by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association as “Increased Flexion” (IF).
Judged by a jury of international agriculture professionals, the SIMA 2017 Innovation Awards recognize new developments from the show’s exhibitors that demonstrate design and innovative features having the potential to offer significant user benefits. For more information visit www.MichelinAg.com, or contact your local Michelin Agriculture Tire dealer.
(1) Michelin internal comparison test (December 2014 & November 2015) between a ‘2 in 1’ Michelin tire with dimensions VF 710/70 R 42 and a Michelin AxioBib IF 710/70 R 42 to 0.8b and 5.6t.
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company has earned a long-standing reputation for building innovative premium tires. Since 1989, Michelin has received 80 J.D. Power tire customer satisfaction awards—five times the number of all other tire manufacturers combined. In addition to tires, the company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs about 22,700 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants.
Contact:
Mary Ann Kotlarich
Michelin North America, Inc.
864.458.4884
Mary-ann.kotlarich@michelin.com
