Michelin North America Inc. is sinking $6.8 million into research and development efforts to improve vehicle fuel economy by lowering rolling resistance.
The funds include a $1.9 million research contract with Clemson University and its International Center for Automotive Research.
The research project, which will be conducted over the next three years, "will develop new generations of tires, new manufacturing processes, new materials and improved modeling and simulation tools for use in automotive applications," say Michelin officials.
The results "will save consumers money at the pump, help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," says David Stafford, COO of Michelin Americas Research Co.
This past October, Michelin announced plan to further reduce tire-related energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
