Groupe Michelin's airless Tweel tire is under "continual development," says Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president of Michelin North America Inc. Skid steers represent the most promising application for the tire, which was originally unveiled four years ago.
"It holds promise in other segments, as well. It's being field tested," including on passenger cars, he notes.
When the Tweel was introduced in 2004, Michelin said it would be ready for mass market consumption in about 10 years. The non-pneumatic tire is made of elastic and addresses severe surface conditions.