France-based hydrogen-powered vehicle manufacturer Hopium is to partner with Bridgestone for the development of bespoke tires for the company’s high-end sedan, the Hopium Machina.
The aim of the partnership is to create custom tires with a low rolling resistance to enhance the Machina’s 1,000km driving range. For the project, Bridgestone will utilize its Virtual Tyre Development technology to ensure the tires are both efficient and sustainable.
Through its E8 Commitment, the tire manufacturer has pledged to support the realization of a sustainable society by providing value throughout its business operations, including operations conducted with partners.
“Since its start, Hopium has made it a point of honor to collaborate with the best in their fields,” commented Olivier Lombard, CEO and founder, Hopium. “Today, this strategic agreement with a renowned industrial world leader constitutes a major milestone in our ambitious roadmap. With considerable expertise in designing tires and tire technologies for newer types of mobility, Bridgestone will surely bring valuable learnings to the partnership, helping us live up to the challenges ahead.”
“This exciting partnership with Hopium once again demonstrates our support for the next generation of innovative mobility pioneers,” said Steven De Bock, VP consumer replacement and OE, Bridgestone EMIA. “We’re placing our recognized expertise at the service of a real game-changer in the field of zero-emission mobility and helping bring about a more sustainable future of mobility in the process.”
