Michelin and Goodyear team up to develop new run-flat technology

Tire industry megaplayers Michelin and Goodyear have announced a joint venture to develop run-flat tires using Michelin’s PAX system and Goodyear’s’ EMT (Extended Mobility Tire) technology.

The joint venture will operate as a technology sharing agreement using existing Michelin and Goodyear personnel, who will operate out of current facilities. Financial arrangements were not disclosed.

The joint venture is strictly technical, and revenues for new products developed under the agreement will accrue to the companies separately.

How significant is this development? Says Michelin CEO Edouard Michelin: “It’s a long-term strategic agreement which may have the same impact as the radial, which we invented some fifty years ago.”

Run-flat products which emerge from the joint venture will appear as OE fitments beginning in 2001, with the replacement market to follow.