DETROIT, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan designers had an idea for a truly
unique tire and wheel package to complete their stunning new Actic concept.
Working with the concept tire design team at Michelin brought that vision to
life.
The challenge from Michelin's perspective was fitting the architecture of
a car tire into a motorcycle tire shape and then mounting it on the unique
wheel rim profile developed by Nissan.
The solution was a one of a kind design that wraps the wheel in rubber
material carrying the pattern from the Michelin Concept (Wrap) 275-35R20
tread. The result is a 360 degree rubber signature with only the wheel spokes
and hub exposed.
"It's an amazing concept -- both the vehicle and tire. Nissan came up
with a very creative approach to the tire and wheel that really pushes the
design envelope," said Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin
Automotive Industry Division. "To execute the concept, our designers and
engineers also applied liberal doses of creativity. Solving these technical
challenges is what Michelin thrives on."
* The tire offers a rounded profile, a bit like Michelin's hottest
motorcycle tires.
* The Michelin logo is essentially reversed out of the membrane wheel
wrap.
* The accompanying trailer is fitted with matching tires and wheels.
"The Michelin designers and concept tire team have been excellent partners
in this project," said Tom Semple, president, Nissan Design America, Inc.
"The hard work and creative ingenuity have been excellent assets to the
project."
Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including
airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty
trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps
and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in
Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (http://www.michelin.com ) employs 24,290
and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.
SOURCE Michelin
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Related links:
http://www.michelin.com
CONTACT:
Lynn Mann of Michelin, +1-864-458-4698, or
lynn.mann@us.michelin.com
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