Michelin Partners with DHL Express to Trial Puncture-proof Tyres

Nearly 50 DHL Express vans will begin running on the Michelin UPTIS airless tyre to make last-mile deliveries in Singapore by the end of 2023. The pilot program begins with the first vehicles making the first delivery trips from today - January 10.

Thanks to a partnership between DHL and Michelin, Michelin's airless prototype tyre, has taken another step forward. One year ahead of schedule, the very first Michelin UPTIS tyres are now marketed in real-world conditions.

The Michelin UPTIS prototype is a puncture-proof wheel/tyre assembly with no compressed air and is intended for cars and light vans. The air has been replaced by a revolutionary structure capable of supporting the vehicle.

This ensures the wheel’s robustness and guarantees driving comfort and safety. It was designed as a plug-and-play solution that allows users to drive conveniently and not worry about road hazards impacting the tyres. It also limits the number of tyres scrapped due to punctures.

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With the Michelin UPTIS tyre, DHL can optimize its fleet’s productivity and ensure business continuity, as tyre pressure issues and punctures are eliminated. This will lower the frequency of tyre replacement, leading to less wastage.

Christopher Ong, Managing Director at DHL Express Singapore said: “As a pioneer in green logistics, we are excited to partner Michelin to trial its airless tyres on our vehicles in Singapore.

"To drive sustainability efforts here, we have since converted 80 vehicles in our ground fleet to electric vans. This collaboration marks another milestone for us as we set out to green our last mile operations and achieve net-zero carbon emissions across the DHL network globally.”

Bruno De Feraudy, Director of OEM activities for the Michelin Group added: “Michelin UPTIS is a major breakthrough innovation in the tyre field. This is a result of some fifty patents linked to the tyre’s structure and high-tech materials.

"It demonstrates Michelin’s capacity for innovation in favor of safer mobility that is better for the environment. We are delighted that DHL is trusting Michelin to equip its fleet with the very first Michelin UPTIS tyres, marketed one year ahead of schedule.”

Airless technology is the key to Michelin’s vision of a fully sustainable tyre by 2050. Today, 20% of tyres are scrapped prematurely due to flats and blowouts (12%) or irregular wear and tear caused by poor tyre pressure (8%).

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