Michelin unveiled Nazca at IAA Transportation 2026, its automated tyre regrooving machine for lorries, buses and coaches. Regrooving is a maintenance process that has been used for more than a century and, until now, has been entirely manual, as it requires specialist skills and can present ergonomic challenges for technicians, compounded by the need to renew skills in workshops. Nazca automates the operation in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, with the aim of ensuring consistent quality and repeatability.
The system is based on a high-density laser scanner and algorithms developed by Michelin engineers. As the geometry of each tyre is unique, the machine adjusts the cutting depth in real time across the full width and circumference of the tyre, making use of every millimetre of available rubber. Each operation requires less than three minutes of direct technician involvement, allowing staff to carry out wheel alignment, repairs, tyre fitting and removal in the meantime. Nazca has been tested in real operating conditions for more than a year and, depending on workshop conditions, can increase regrooving capacity by between 30% and 50%. Michelin says this can improve workshop profitability and provide greater operational flexibility.
The machine is compatible with a wide range of brands and sizes, provided the casing is strong enough to be regrooved. Around 20 units are currently undergoing pilot testing in Europe. In 2027, Michelin will continue rolling out the technology in several countries, taking account of their respective regulatory frameworks, while the commercial launch will be gradual and adapted to the characteristics of each market. Nazca forms part of the group’s multi-life approach, combining regrooving and retreading. With this model, a Michelin tyre can last up to 2.5 times longer than one used for a single life cycle. Regrooving allows the tyre to be used down to the legal wear limit, delivering up to 25% additional mileage and fuel savings of up to 5%.
Regrooving is followed by retreading. The first retread, Remix, can double tyre mileage at a cost of around 60% of a new tyre. The second, Remix 2, is available for 90% of Michelin’s truck tyre ranges and provides 95% of the performance of a new tyre, again at around 60% of the cost, reducing cost per kilometre by 33%. Each retread saves around 50 kg of raw materials per tyre.
Massimiliano Barberis
