Michelin Signs Technical Partnership Agreement with Hyundai

Michelin has signed a technical partnership deal with Hyundai Motor, as an outcome of which the two companies will collaborate on a new all-season tyre for electric vehicles, and will work on a bespoke tyre for a model that would be the successor to the Genesis G80 saloon. The agreement was signed between representatives from Hyundai Motor and Michelin at Michelin’s research and development centre in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Hyundai said that the deal will allow the company to strengthen its capabilities in tyre performance technology. The two companies have come up with a cooperative training plan as part of which Hyundai’s tyre designers will learn more about tyre testing and analytical research from Michelin engineers.

For the electric vehicle tyre project, Hyundai is aiming to optimize the performance and efficiency of the vehicle with Michelin’s next-generation tyre material and structural technology. For the G80 successor tyre, the two companies will team up for tyre testing and analysis, both in the laboratory and on the track in order to decide on tyre vibration characteristics at high speeds. The goal will be to achieve the best levels of ride and handling, while minimising noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Commenting on the partnership, Vincent Rousset-Rouviere, president of Michelin’s Original Equipment division said that the agreement with Hyundai is a major milestone for Michelin and the company was honoured to be chosen to work with Hyundai Motor to work on making better electric and luxury vehicles in the future.

He added, “Michelin has been investing constantly in new technologies and innovations to enhance the performance of our tyres, so that mobility becomes safer, more sustainable and more enjoyable for all consumers. This new partnership with Hyundai Motor will allow us to open a broad range of new opportunities.”

Woong-chul Yang, vice-chairman of Hyundai Motor said that the collaboration with Michelin will allow Hyundai to expedite the development and deployment of new tyre technologies. He said that with Michelin’s expertise, the next generation of Hyundai Motor electric cars will offer consumers better performance and efficiency, thus giving them direct benefits.

He concluded, “Working with Michelin will also strengthen Hyundai Motor’s tire technology on a broader scale, as we also focus on developing luxury Genesis cars and high-performance vehicles.”