Trouble for Vulcanizers as Airless Tires Get Launch

US firm Goodyear is in Luxembourg using a tire constructed from plastic spokes and reinforced rubber tread in place of traditional air-filled wheels with tread.

Michael Rachita, Goodyear's senior program manager for non-pneumatic tyres, told the BBC: "There will be noise, and some vibration. We're still learning how to soften the ride. But we think you'll be surprised at the performance."

With the proliferation of car sharing apps, a spike in food delivery and Uber, the need to keep vehicles on the road is more important than ever.

Mr Rachita said: "While air-filled tires will always have their place, a mixture of solutions is needed.

“As we move into a world where autonomous vehicles are becoming more common and many cities are offering transport-as-a-service strategies, having a maintenance-free tyre is hugely important."

Goodyear tests the new tires for thousands of miles in different conditions and for 24 hours at a time.