Michelin and GM are hoping to take the air out of blowouts while adding more life to their tires.

The two companies acknowledged this week that they had been collaborating on new airless tire technologies designed specifically for passenger vehicles. The technology, which has been officially dubbed the Michelin Uptis prototype (for “Unique Puncture-proof Tire System”), is intended to be introduced to the market by 2024.

GM hopes the technology will make their cars safer and less wasteful to operate. By eliminating the possibility of blowouts and other issues related to improper tire inflation, the UPTIS should be safer than traditional tires. The technology could also significantly reduce the number of scrapped tires from such causes, as Michelin estimates that 20% of annual tire waste is caused by blowouts and irregular wear due to inappropriate tire pressure.

Airless, or non-pneumatic, tires are not a wholly new technology. They have been used in industrial and military applications for decades. The technology has also been adapted for use in consumer applications, like tires designed for bicycles and lawn tractors. They are particularly handy for situations in which puncture-resistance and longevity takes a priority over performance, as the two characteristics have generally been mutually exclusive. However, if GM plans to use the technology on passenger vehicles, it should be expected that they will have found a way to unite the best characteristics of conventional and airless tires. To meet consumer expectations, the tires will need to replicate the solid road performance typical of traditional tires in addition to the benefits offered by its airless design.

If it works as intended, the UPTIS technology has seemingly few drawbacks. The upside of eliminating blowouts and reducing tire waste is enormous. However, if the tires don’t perform well or are prohibitively expensive, consumers could always choose to ignore them. If the companies can capitalize on its potential though, the UPTIS could set the new standard for passenger car tires.

See GM’s press release introducing the UPTIS Prototype here.