Ford sets up in-house tyre design team

ERJ staff report (DS)

Dearborn, Michigan - Ford Motor Company has established a cross-functional team whose mission is to develop innovative new tyres. Current research is focused on the tread cap - literally where the rubber meets the road.

Located at Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, the dedicated tyre team works closely with Ford's Chassis Engineering and Vehicle Engineering functions, as well as leading tyre companies, to test new compounds, new tread designs and other innovations.

“Traditionally, the challenge of improving tyre treads is to expand all facets of the 'magic triangle' - grip, wear and rolling resistance. We want to improve all attributes without compromising others,” said Dan Haakenson, technical expert, Vehicle Dynamics. “Our goal is to anticipate, innovate and incorporate technologies to make Ford a leader in fuel economy and to help deliver superior low-rolling-resistance tyres to customers faster than anyone else.”

“While Ford doesn't manufacture tyres, we do want to become smart buyers for our customers,” said David Rohweder, global chief engineer for Tyre and Wheel Engineering.

“We are developing our own in-house expertise on tyre materials and compounds,” said Dr. Cynthia Flanigan, technical leader of elastomers research. “And through our research we want to be the catalyst, working with chemical and rubber suppliers as well as tyre manufacturers, to pull new technologies and solutions through the industry.”

“Rubber is used throughout cars - weather strips, gaskets, interior trim, underbody shields, floor mats - so our research could benefit those as well,” Flanigan said.

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Press release from Ford