Renault unsure about runflat technology

Geneva, Switzerland--A spokesman for Renault said the company is re-evaluating its approach to runflat tyres. The company offered Michelin Pax tyres on its Scenic model a few years ago, but customers told Renault that they felt there were difficulties with the tyres in terms of maintaining them and keeping them serviced.

The Renault spokesman said that, where consumers select a car with unusual styling, such as ultra-sporty, or a very small city car, they accept that having no fifth wheel is a price they must pay. But this underlies their perception that losing the fifth wheel is a cost to them, he said.

While the spokesman thought the technology was a great benefit in terms of safety, styling and improved design flexibility, he said consumers are not yet ready for the technology, and Renault is unlikely to offer it as standard in the immediate future.