The ways in which such a tire could be useful are almost limitless, ranging from agriculture to military operations to automotive, sports and industrial machinery.
Currently, Tweels are being sold to operators of front-end loaders and soon, certain John Deere commercial mowers, but Michelin plans to eventually market them for passenger cars after “exhaustive research and testing,” Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America told Bloomberg.
Likewise, Bridgestone Americas Inc. and Hankook Tire Group, which have airless tires for other uses such as off-road vehicles and golf carts, are also working on prototypes for eventual passenger car use. There are still issues being solved but the future of these tyres is bright. They are for sure going to have a special place in the next 10 years. You can read on GrandPrixTimes about all-weather tires than the Tweels are trying to emulate and improve on.
Selleck told the Greenville News that the Tweel is a “real game-changer” for operators of small front-end loaders called “skid steers” and commercial mowers because they average a flat tire a week. But the manufacturer plans to test the new tires on passenger cars in some “developing economies where bad roads dictate slow-moving passenger cars,” which can pave the way to broader rollouts.
Additional challenges for widespread use that Michelin and other manufacturers face include working with current safety regulations designed for air-filled tires and finding a cost-effective manufacturing method for the mass market, Clemson University Tweel researcher Joshua Summers told the Greenville News. Summers added that the first applications on passenger cars might be with electric vehicles.
The Tweel’s viability and reliability was recently demonstrated when three vehicles—a 2012 Honda CR-Z, a restoration modified 1955 Morris Minor Traveller, and an Aluma brand trailer hauling a Polaris ATV—equipped with Tweel tires in June, 2013 completed the entire 1,200-mile 2013 Hot Rod Power Tour from Arlington, Texas to Concord, N.C.
In addition, NASA’s Rover vehicles are now equipped with a version of Michelin’s Tweels called AB Scarab wheels, according to Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.
Do you see a way in which your firm might benefit from the use of Tweels? Discuss your ideas in the comment section below.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
