Michelins fitted to OE Yaris uses new silica material

ERJ staff report (DS)

Paris -- The Michelin Energy Saver will be the only tyre fitted on future models of the Toyota Yaris 1.0-liter. The tyre contributes to the low environmental impact of the new Toyota, which is scheduled for launch in early 2009, by reducing fuel consumption by 0.2 liters per 100 km and, consequently, CO₂ emissions by 4 grams per km.

Michelin said it worked closely with Toyota to achieve this result. It noted that, "Innovative solutions were introduced for the rubber compound, which integrates new forms of silica, as well as for tyre design and production processes."

Michelin said it has been focussing on fuel consumption for over 15 years. In 1992, Michelin demonstrated that integrating silica in rubber compounds would reduce the tyre's energy requirement while optimising performance in other key areas, such as grip and wear-resistance.

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Press release from Michelin