According to an article out June 15, 2009 from USA Today tire makers are doing their best to respond to the new influx of hybrid and electric vehicles. Now that more companies are looking into alternative ways to power cars, the tire industry is looking how to improve tires. “Tire makers are now trying to come up with the best technologies to go with other automotive features that squeeze every drop out of a gallon of gas. Both Michelin and Goodyear are touting their latest creations aimed at saving gas without sacrificing tread life or stopping distance.” General Motors is set to release the Chevy Volt soon. The Volt will be outfitted with Goodyear’s Assurance Fuel Max. The tire industry is doing its best to keep up with the times and to change with the car companies and consumer tastes. “Goodyear says the tire has a 65,000-mile tread wear limited warranty while providing 27% less rolling resistance than conventional tires. The tires alone will account for a 4% improvement in highway fuel economy, or 2,600 miles worth of gas over the life of a set of four.” Michelin is set to soon have an energy efficient tire called the Energy Saver A/S. Goodyear has already rolled out enough of the energy efficient tires that they will fit nearly 80 percent of the cars driving on the road right now. The downside is that the tires are not going to come cheap to the consumer purchasing them. The Michelin tires for a Toyota would cost around $142 each, but they could also be marked down by retailers. The new fuel saving tires might just be what the tire industry needs to get consumers buying again. To most people all tires seem the same unless they have to special order them or are looking for a particular look. These new energy saver tires could be an answer to an ailing industry.