AKRON, Ohio — Over the past year, researchers at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. have been working on a new application that officials said can aid in fuel savings and carbon dioxide reductions, while potentially improving performance.

Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) mechanism allows tires to maintain constant, optimum pressure without the use of external pumps, electronics and driver intervention. In turn, proper tire inflation can result in improved fuel economy, prolonged tread life and optimized tire performance.

Officials said that the AMT system is being designed to perform after the retreading process.

“We believe the Air Maintenance Technology application for commercial  vehicle tires will not only enhance the performance of the tire, but will also provide cost savings to fleet owners and operators through the extension of tire tread life and increased fuel economy,” Chief Technical Officer Jean-Claude Kihn said. “The progress we continue to make with this technology is very encouraging. We look forward to further testing of this concept.”

Engineers at Goodyear’s Innovation Center in Akron are credited with the development of the commercial application of this concept and the supporting technology. Prototype tires have been produced in Goodyear’s Topeka, Kan., manufacturing plant, and rigorous validation testing has reportedly confirmed that the AMT pumping mechanism works. An extensive fleet trial is planned to gather real-world information from customers in 2013, according to the company.

The commercial application of Goodyear’s AMT will make its debut at the 2012 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany.  

Other articles on Goodyear and tires:

• Goodyear introduces Dunlop steer tire

• Hit the road: Choosing the right tires