GREENVILLE, S.C. – Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) has developed a self-regenerating retread, the Michelin XDA Hypersipe, which will become available to consumers this fall.

The Michelin XDA Hypersipe retread uses Michelin-patented tread design and siping technology to mold tread features on both the top and bottom of a Pre-Cure tread band. Sipes molded into the bottom of the tread appear as the tire wears; giving improved worn traction over the life of the retread, explained the tire manufacturer.

“After the introduction of the first co-extruded treads with the XDA-HT and the XZU S, our engineers once again bring new innovation to the market for the benefit of our customers with a tread that regenerates itself as it wears,” said Luc Minguet, chief operating officer of Michelin Americas Truck Tires.

Research engineers began working on the challenge in spring 2004. Two years later, the solution has been fully industrialized with the launch of the Michelin XDA Hypersipe treads ready for production at MRT’s tread pressing plant in Covington, Ga.

The expansion of Michelin’s Covington facility, which will be completed next month, will double the plant’s capacity and include the unique technology required to produce Hypersipe treads.

The XDA Hypersipe will be commercially available in limited quantities in the 230mm tread width in August of this year and Michelin plans to add more sizes in the future.