Bridgestone to develop tyres for Hopium Machina

Hopium, the first French manufacturer of hydrogen-powered vehicles, is partnering with Bridgestone to develop premium tyres for the high-end sedan, Hopium Machina.

The goal of the partnership is to design bespoke tyres with low rolling resistance technology to enhance the vehicle’s 1,000km driving range. Bridgestone said the tyres will be created using its proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technology, providing significant benefits in efficiency and sustainability.

Under its overarching Bridgestone E8 Commitment, the company has pledged to support the realisation of a sustainable society by providing social and customer value throughout every area of its business and operations, together with partners.

“Since its start, Hopium has made it a point of honour to collaborate with the best in their fields,” said Olivier Lombard, Hopium’s CEO and founder. “Today, this strategic agreement with a renown industrial world leader constitutes a major milestone in our ambitious roadmap. With considerable expertise in designing tyres and tyre technologies for newer types of mobility, Bridgestone will surely bring valuable learnings to the partnership, helping us live up to the challenges ahead.”

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE, Bridgestone EMIA said the partnership with Hopium demonstrates the company’s support for the next generation of innovative mobility pioneers. “We’re placing our recognised 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,” said De Bock.

Lombard, the youngest winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans, founded Hopium using his experience acquired on racing circuits. Lombard has driven hydrogen-powered racing cars for seven years, making him the world’s most experienced competitor in this field. Hopium brings together a team of experts and leading partners at the forefront of innovation in the fields of hydrogen fuel cells, technology, and automotive engineering.