Goodyear gives first glimpse of Air Maintenance Technology

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Geneva, Switzerland - The days of checking tyre pressure could be a thing of the past thanks to an innovation from Goodyear, which will be publicly demonstrated for the first time at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show.

Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) has been under development in Goodyear's laboratories over the past two years. Visitors to the Geneva International Motor Show will see how tyres can remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for any external pumps, electronics or driver intervention leading to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Goodyear says AMT will help ensure the optimum tyre pressure is maintained and as a result could mean substantial savings at the fuel pump with underinflated tyres resulting in between a 2.5 percent and 3.3 percent decrease in fuel economy, according to government and industry research.

Research conducted by Goodyear Dunlop shows that consumers are unconcerned about their tyre pressure, with half of those surveyed not knowing when to check their tyre pressure and one in three motorists admitting they would not be very likely to check their tyre pressure even before embarking on a long trip.

Properly inflated tyres are necessary to keep the vehicle's handling performance at optimal levels, especially its cornering abilities. Under-inflation means less evenly distributed pressure on the road. It also reduces the tread area that is in direct contact with the road.

“Consumers often overlook the importance of maintaining proper tyre pressure. We believe this technology will enhance safe driving and performance; and have a positive impact on the environment through improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and extended tyre life,” commented Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technical officer.

Goodyear said that it is too early in the innovation to predict when AMT will come to market but the company has confirmed that grants provided by the US and Luxembourg governments will speed up development.

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Press release from Goodyear