US carmaker General Motors (GM) is planning to collaborate with independent researchers to develop a new tyre technology to enhance fuel efficiency of its vehicles.

Work on development of new technology is expected to begin in January 2013 at the new National Tire Research Center in Halifax County, Virginia, US.

The new facility is equipped with tyre performance machines that could assist automakers and tire manufacturers to outline real-time emergency situations and enhance road safety.

GM Global Vehicle Performance and Safety executive director Ken Morris said: "The work we'll undertake at the National Tire Research Center will have a big impact on how quickly next-generation tire technologies will be developed and the accuracy of theirdesign and engineering."

The development of new tyre technology is aimed at increasing fuel efficiency by up to 7%.

The Flat-Trac LTRe performance test equipment at the centre deploys electric motor technology that assist in running a tyre at speeds of about 200mph and offers information on handling, ride, torque, and braking capabilities on several surfaces.

National Tire Research Center executive director Frank Della Pia said the new facility's test equipment is like going from a basic telescope to the Hubble - it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

"It can test tires in the full range of the performance spectrum," Pia said.

The facilities of new tyre research centre include the Southern Virginia Vehicle Motion (SoVa Motion) Laboratory, through which GM is aiming to further improve laboratory test methods and enhance its overall vehicle development method.