Michelin ‘2 in 1’ Ag Tire Wins SIMA 2017 Innovation Gold Medal

Michelin North America Inc.’s “2 in 1” ag tire has earned the 2017 Innovation Gold Medal at SIMA, the Paris International Agri-Business Show.

The “2 in 1” tire adjusts pressure and usage to allow farmers to operate more efficiently, Michelin said. To change its shape and footprint, the tire can transform from working at ultra-low pressures in the field, with a contact patch that increases up to 20% to reduce soil compaction, to high pressures on the road so the central continuous tread band grips the pavement for a safe, smooth, vibration-free and fuel-saving ride, Michelin said.

“It is a privilege to receive the SIMA Innovation Gold Medal on behalf of the dedicated, hardworking teams at Michelin,” said Emmanuel Ladent, Director of Michelin’s Agriculture Business Unit. “The ‘2 in 1 tire’ is a real game-changer. This is the latest in the line of innovative new tire technologies brought to the market by Michelin, such as Ultraflex technology and the Connected tire, and we eagerly anticipate the first presentation of this ‘2 in 1 tire’ at SIMA in March 2017.”

The SIMA 2017 Innovation Awards is judged by a group of international agriculture professionals and recognizes new developments by the show’s exhibitors that demonstrate design and innovative features for user benefit.

For more information in the “2 in 1” tire, visit MichelinAg.com.

Edwin Goudswaard is now officially serving as the head of research and development at Continental Tires. He succeeds Dr. Boris Mergell who took over as head of the user experience business area at Continental Automotive, also on September 1, 2023.

Goudswaard began his career at Continental in 2006, shortly after completing his mechanical engineering studies, the company said. Following an international R&D trainee program, he worked in virtual development and product development for original equipment tires. Between 2013 and 2021, Goudswaard assumed various management roles in R&D and in the production facilities for two-wheeler and passenger car tires in Europe and Asia. In 2021, he was appointed head of the two-wheel tire business area. He was most recently responsible for Continental’s global research and development activities in the passenger car tire replacement business.