Bridgestone AirFree Tire Powers Autonomous Green Slow Mobility in Higashiomi City

Beginning July 7, Bridgestone Corporation will launch the practical use of its next-generation puncture-free AirFree tire in autonomous green slow mobility (GSM) vehicles operating in Japan. The deployment will take place in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture, marking the company's first full-scale implementation of the technology following multiple successful demonstration programs. The initiative supports efforts to improve sustainable transportation solutions for local communities while validating the long-term performance of AirFree-equipped autonomous vehicles.

The project originates from a partnership agreement established in January 2025 between Bridgestone Corporation and Higashiomi City to advance autonomous driving services in the mountainous Okueigenji region. Operations will be coordinated from the Okueigenji Keiryunosato roadside station, which serves as the central operating base. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to improve mobility options for residents and visitors while supporting transportation accessibility in areas where conventional mobility services can be challenging.

Before reaching commercial deployment, the AirFree tire underwent a series of demonstration programs beginning in November 2025. Test operations were carried out in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, Suginami Ward in Tokyo, and Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture using autonomous vehicles equipped with the puncture-free tire technology. The positive outcomes from these demonstrations provided the foundation for transitioning from pilot activities to practical implementation. A similar operational rollout is also planned for Toyama City based on the experience gained through these evaluations.

The AirFree-equipped vehicles will operate according to a scheduled service plan established by Higashiomi City. The autonomous green slow mobility vehicles will be available on weekends, public holidays, and alternating Wednesdays and Fridays. This operational schedule enables continuous assessment of real-world vehicle performance while providing transportation services for the local community. The structured deployment also allows engineers and city officials to monitor operational consistency across varying traffic and environmental conditions.

The ongoing initiative will continue assessing the AirFree tire's characteristics, functional performance, value proposition, and overall effectiveness within autonomous mobility services. The collected operational data will help determine how puncture-free tire technology contributes to safer, more reliable, and sustainable transportation systems. The project also supports broader efforts to create resilient local communities by integrating innovative tire technologies with autonomous driving solutions for everyday public mobility applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Bridgestone's AirFree tire deployment in Higashiomi City?
The deployment demonstrates the first practical implementation of Bridgestone's AirFree puncture-free tire in autonomous green slow mobility vehicles serving local transportation needs. Operating under a partnership with Higashiomi City, the initiative evaluates tire performance, operational reliability, functional benefits, and overall value in real-world autonomous driving services. The project also supports sustainable community development by improving transportation accessibility while gathering long-term operational data for future mobility deployments.