Michelin Wins Four Major Awards at Tire Technology Expo 2026

Michelin secured four prestigious awards at Tire Technology Expo 2026 in Germany, highlighting its strong R&D capabilities and sustainability vision. From airless lunar tires to bio-based production technologies, the company’s innovations stood out on the global stage.

Four Awards Across Key Global Categories

Tire Technology Expo, one of the tire industry’s most important global events, was held in Hannover, Germany, between March 3–5, 2026.

Michelin strengthened its leadership position in the industry by winning a total of four awards across design, product performance, sustainability, and career achievement categories.

Philippe Jacquin, Executive Vice President of R&D at Michelin Group, commented on the achievement:

These awards are a strong testament to the collective strength of our teams and the scientific, technological, and environmental depth of our innovations.

MiLAW: Airless Tire Technology Designed for the Lunar Surface

Michelin’s Michelin Lunar Airless Wheel (MiLAW) was named “Concept of the Year.”

Designed for future Artemis lunar missions, this innovative solution is the result of long-term R&D studies based on airless structures, high-performance polymers, and 3D printing technologies.

MiLAW is engineered to withstand temperature variations ranging from -240°C to +100°C, high radiation levels, and abrasive surface conditions.

This technology is not limited to space applications. The knowledge gained through MiLAW also contributes to Michelin’s future solutions for demanding terrestrial environments where durability and long-lasting performance are critical.

Primacy 5 Energy: A New Standard in Performance and Efficiency

MICHELIN Primacy 5 Energy won the “Tire of the Year” award.

Selected by more than 20 major global automotive brands before its launch, the tire has also been chosen for use in over 50 upcoming vehicle models currently under development.

MICHELIN Primacy 5 Energy stands out with A ratings under EU labeling in wet grip, energy efficiency, and noise level categories. The product is also positioned as one of the longest-lasting tires in its segment.

BioButterfly: A Critical Milestone in Low-Carbon Production

Michelin’s BioButterfly program, carried out in partnership with IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens, received the “Environmental Achievement of the Year – Industrial Contribution” award.

Developed after more than 12 years of R&D and an investment exceeding €80 million, the project successfully produced bio-based butadiene from bio-based ethanol.

The elastomers produced through this process meet the technical requirements for tire applications while significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to fossil-based alternatives.

Pascal Prost Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Pascal Prost, who has dedicated more than 35 years to Michelin, received the Tire Tech 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prost’s work, particularly in low rolling resistance tires and eco-design, reflects Michelin’s innovation approach and sustainable mobility vision.

Sustainable Mobility Shaped by Innovation

Michelin’s four awards at Tire Technology Expo 2026 once again highlight the company’s broad innovation capabilities, from research and product development to environmental impact reduction and engineering excellence.

This achievement reinforces Michelin’s commitment to advancing safer, higher-performance, and more sustainable mobility solutions both on Earth and beyond.

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