General Motors and Michelin are moving ahead with testing an airless tire for production automobiles. The tire concept, known as Uptis for Unique Puncture-Proof Tire System, supports a vehicle using no air but rather flexible rubberized composite ribs. The tire is designed to eliminate the fear of blowouts and flats and requires no regular maintenance such as pressure checks. GM will begins real world testing of Uptis on a fleet of Chervrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This airless tire concept is already being used on some John Deere riding lawn mowers. Michelin also sees Uptis as an enviornmental benefit by reducing tire scrapage due to damage from road debris. The tire would likely also accelerate the demise of the spare tire and the space needed for carrying it. The first Uptis tires could be available on cars as early as the 2024 model year.