RoadSnoop Launched By Nokian

Nokian Tyres is preparing to launch RoadSnoop, its first generation tyre pressure and temperature monitor. The sensor is battery powered and is mounted in the tyre when tyre changing takes place. It operates instantaneously upon turning the key in the ignition, sending signals to a dashboard-mounted monitor; when pressure falls below a set limit an audio-visual alarm alerts the driver of a problem.

Deliveries are expected at the beginning of March 2002. The electronics will be produced by Flextronics International and Nokian estimates that some 300,000 systems will be sold in 2002. Prices will be in the area of 250 – 300 Euro.

There are plans to allow the product to be sold under private branding throughout Europe, Russia, Japan and the USA. According to Tomi Lundell, director of Nokian Tyres’ RoadSnoop unit the aim is to capture market leadership. “We have every chance of doing this thanks to an efficient distribution network, rapid market entry and a product that interests consumers.

” The RoadSnoop proceeds the much-vaunted Bluetooth-enabled tyre pressure monitoring system which has had its launch delayed. Nokian says that the Bluetooth-based systems will be launched when Bluetooth-enabled receivers become more commonplace..