Michelin execs see ‘Tweel’ replacing pneumatic tyres

DETROIT (Jan 10)–Michelin North America Inc. executives are touting the firm’s “Tweel” non-pneumatic integrated tyre/wheel unit as the next revolution in transportation mobility, although the revolution is starting rather modestly–with a fitment on a Segway-inspired stair-climbing wheelchair.

“Major revolutions in mobility may come along only once in a hundred years,” Terry Gettys, president of Michelin Americas Research and Development Center said at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, “but a new century has dawned, and Tweel has proved its potential…