Hyundai, Michelin Extend R&D Partnership to Advance Tire Technologies for EVs

• Hyundai and Michelin sign third MOU focused on next-generation EV and autonomous vehicle tire technologies

• R&D targets ultra-low rolling resistance, SmartGrip braking, and digital twin simulation systems

• Partnership addresses high-performance, high-load demands of future mobility with sustainable tire solutions

Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin have signed a third memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate joint development of advanced tire technologies for future mobility applications, including electric and autonomous vehicles.

The new three-year agreement continues a partnership that began in 2017 and was renewed in 2022. It focuses on developing tires with extreme-low rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency, as well as high-performance models to improve handling and safety.

Both companies will work to enhance tire performance for premium electric vehicles, where high torque, extended range, and braking efficiency present unique technical challenges. The collaboration also includes the development of a virtual tire design system to support off-road performance and the advancement of SmartGrip technology to improve braking response. The initiative targets critical mobility needs such as increased load capacity, improved driving performance, and environmentally sustainable tire solutions.

The prior MOUs between Hyundai and Michelin led to tangible outcomes, including tire technologies applied to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and innovations in tire wear prediction and braking systems. The current phase builds on those results to further advance Hyundai’s capabilities in vehicle-tire integration.

“Through the third phase of technological collaboration with Michelin, we expect to achieve tire technology innovations that will lead the future mobility market,” said Yongsuk Shin, Vice President and Head of Genesis Engineering Design Center at Hyundai Motor Group. “By leveraging the specialized capabilities of both companies in mobility and tire technologies, we will utilize advanced solutions.”

Hyundai and Michelin will continue to share research resources and integrate engineering approaches to accelerate the deployment of new tire technologies in upcoming vehicle models.