Bridgestone commercialises support-ring runflat system

Brussels -- Bridgestone Corp. has introduced a support-ring runflat system, "based on technical collaboration with Germany's Continental AG and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd," according to a company press release.

Bridgestone said, "The support ring will be delivered to Toyota Motor Corporation for use in its new RAV4 for the European market."

In the release Bridgestone said, "The support ring is made of a lightweight metal ring and rubber so as to provide flexible support to the tyre. In case of air loss, the core ring supports the vehicle, and fixes the tyre bead on the rim of the tyre. " Bridgestone is aiming the support ring concept at heavier vehicles and those with high-profile tyres, such as SUVs and off-road vehicles.

Bridgestone also offers self-supporting sidewall runflat tyres for lighter vehicles and those which use low-profile tyres. By offering different technologies, the company aims to cover a larger percentage of the total market with these runflat options.

According to the company, "Bridgestone aims to create runflat systems for the wheels of all passenger cars and SUVs by providing sidewall-reinforcement runflat tyres and Bridgestone Support Ring runflat systems that correspond to the respective car. Going forward, Bridgestone will continue to promote R&D in this area."