KUALA LUMPUR: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recently showcased its concept tyres for electric vehicles (EV) and flying cars, both featured advanced aerodynamic design and technologies.
Its concept tyres for EV was seen fitted to a Lexus model, LF-30 at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. The tyres feature a tread design and cross section developed using Goodyear's aerodynamic technology. Advanced fins covered with fine velvet like owl wings are used on the tread side of the body to generate an effective airflow to cool the EV motor.
For flying cars, Goodyear's concept tyre employs a two-in-one design for usage on the ground and in the air. Named AERO Tyres, the product uses an artificial intelligence processor that combines information received from the tyre sensor, the vehicle itself, and landing infrastructure.
The AI processor analyses this series of data to switch the vehicle to flight or driving mode and advises on the next operation. This product was first unveiled at the recent 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.
Apart from these groundbreaking concept tyres, Goodyear also highlighted its Oxygene Tyre which features moss on its sidewalls. Its open tyre structure and delicate tread design absorbs water droplets and moisture from the road and circulates them, conducting photosynthesis and releasing oxygen into the air.
Recently premiered in Japan, ‘Oxygene’ uses an airless structure that was made by 3D printing and recycled rubber powder. The light and impact-absorbing structure has high durability and a free-falling solution for prolonged life, minimising maintenance and ensuring reliable mobility.
Oxygene is not its only effort to promote sustainability, and initiatives have been done both globally as well as locally. Locally, Goodyear Malaysia has installed 6,680 solar panels at its corporate office and production plant in Shah Alam in July 2019 to achieve a reduction of about 1,980,433.37 kilograms of carbon emissions per year across two years.