Bridgestone to show airless concept tyre at Tokyo Motor Show

Tokyo - Tokyo's 42nd Motor Show opens today and Bridgestone is showing an airless concept tyre. The tyre reflects the style of design shown initially by Michelin and more recently by Yokohama. Bridgestone's design, however, has a deeper structure of plastic ribs than either of the other two approaches. It also has a higher aspect ratio.

Bridgestone's design uses thermoplastic ribs, which it says are easier to recycle than the thermoset rubber used in more conventional tyres.The company said even the tread is made from a thermoplastic material, extending further the concept of recyclability. Bridgestone did not mention the grip or rolling resistance of the tyre.

The company said the concept already offers comfort and performance suitable for golf buggies, and similar vehicles. It said it will develop the products further and aims, "as soon as possible" to bring it to the automotive tyre market.

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Press release  from Bridgestone (Japanese language)

Above press release auto-translated from Japanese.