Outside Hall 2.2 of the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai) during the CIIE, MICHELIN XDR 3, a Michelin mining tire, attracted many eyes. It has a diameter of 4.03 meters, a weight of 5.525 tons, and a single tire with a nominal load of 100 tons. Its application scenario is a large open-pit mine, and it is the largest tire in the world.
This is the first time Michelin has participated in the CIIE. In addition to exhibiting the world's largest tires, Michelin also brought VISION concept tires, UPTIS non-inflatable puncture-proof tires and Pilot Sport all-weather tires. In addition, Michelin also brought hydrogen energy solutions, smart solutions for connected travel, and sustainable ecosystem concepts.
Kamran Vossoughi, President and CEO of Michelin China, compared Michelin to a "Rubik's Cube" in an interview with Travel One (ID: carcaijing). "Michelin is as multi-faceted as a person. It is not just a tire, nor is it just the Michelin Guide." Wei Shujie said, "I compare Michelin to a Rubik's Cube, a multidimensional that can constantly change to solve problems. the company."
Through this CIIE, Michelin is also conveying to the outside world: Michelin is more than tires. At present, Michelin is consolidating its position in the tire industry by improving its structural competitiveness, and at the same time deciding to invest in emerging industries such as hydrogen energy, smart travel, and biomaterials.
VISION represents the future direction of Michelin tires
The VISION concept tire unveiled at the CIIE has four characteristics: no inflation, interconnection, 3D printing, and 100% recyclability. Hay Think understands that the VISION concept tire represents Michelin's vision of sustainable transportation in the future, and is also the direction of Michelin's tire development.
VISION concept tire
Take the UPTIS non-inflation and puncture-proof tires launched at the CIIE as an example. This tire has two major features: non-inflation and puncture-proof tires. It eliminates the risk of flat tires and flat tires, and is expected to be launched in 2024. From a conceptual point of view, it is already close to the VISION concept tire to a certain extent.
"VISION concept tires are Michelin's vision for 2050 tires. Although UPTIS non-inflatable puncture-proof tires and VISION concept tires look very different, they are actually approaching step by step." A Michelin official introduced to reporters. Said that in addition to UPTIS non-inflation and puncture-proof tires, Michelin has made breakthroughs in intelligent interconnection and biodegradability in a number of tires.
Michelin Hydrogen Fuel Cell Module StackPack
The hydrogen energy display became a highlight of the Michelin booth. It is understood that in 2020, Michelin and Faurecia have established a joint venture Symbio, dedicated to the research and development of hydrogen energy battery packs and fuel cell systems. At this CIIE, Michelin brought a stack of hydrogen fuel cell modules integrated in different types of electric vehicles. The principle is to use air and hydrogen to generate electricity. The advantage of the hydrogen fuel cell module is to achieve zero emissions while enhancing the portability of the vehicle. It can be used in light commercial vehicles, buses, heavy trucks, boats, racing cars, etc.
"You may be surprised, but in the past 15 years, Michelin has continued to focus on hydrogen energy travel to develop cleaner travel solutions." Wei Shujie said, "In order to achieve carbon neutrality and green travel, we have A lot of innovation has been invested behind it."
In addition, in terms of smart travel, Michelin has improved its products in application scenarios including race tracks, subways, buses and heavy trucks, and launched a number of smart solutions. These solutions include Michelin Jingchi intelligent control system, bus tire life cycle management platform, intelligent self-repair solutions and intelligent networked tires.
This shows that Michelin is constantly breaking the boundaries of tires to explore more travel solutions.