Goodyear's Helsel:Tires will be even more vital in future auto technology

摘要

AKRON-As vehicles become more complex in the future,including the development of autonomous automobiles,Goodyear sees tires becoming even more important for safe travel.This has the Akron-based tire maker understanding the need for collaboration,even potentially with competitors,to create the tires of tomorrow.As chief technology officer at Goodyear,it's part of Chris Helsel's job to consider just how travel will change in the years ahead and ensure that his company is providing products that meet upcoming needs.He shared a bit of what he believes the future will hold as the keynote speaker for the 39th annual Tire Society conference that kicked off Sept.28.Like so many other activities these days,the conference ad-opted an online approach due to concerns over COVID-19.One thing the future holds,in his opinion,is that autonomous vehicles are coming.It's not a matter of if,but when.And tires,Helsel said,will play an outsized role in safety as they represent touch points to the road.