TPMS Sensor Starter Kit Released
Across the Atlantic, Bartec USA has launched its new EZ-Sensor starter kits, which include the new programmable TPMS replacement sensors from Schrader.
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Sonil Ventilfabrik Hosts 27th ITTAC Meeting
NewsSonil Ventilfabrik recently hosted the 27th Meeting of the Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committees (ITTAC) Tube & Valve Sub-Committee. The event was held at the Sugati Beach Resort between 1 and 2 July.
Cyber Tyres are Coming, says Schrader
News, Product NewsTyres capable of monitoring themselves, road conditions and ‘talking’ with a vehicle’s electronic systems are only three years away, declares Schrader Electronics. The automotive sensor developer has developed a sensor that is mounted on the inside of a tyre instead of on the valve or wheel rim, as is the case with currently available direct TPMS set ups. This sensor then transmits information wirelessly to receivers mounted in the vehicle’s wheel housing and via the car’s ECU to the driver.
Schrader Honoured by Frost & Sullivan
Product NewsFrost & Sullivan has recognized Schrader International with the 2009 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Industry Innovation & Advancement of the Year. The company has an extensive line of TPMS sensors and tools, and holds considerable market share among vehicle OEMs. (Tire Review/Akron)
Schrader Introduces New TPMS Learn and Test Tool
Product NewsSchrader-Bridgeport International, Inc. has launched a new “AirAware Learn and Test Tool Kit” that includes an OBD adapter designed for Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). The new Learn and Test Tool Kit includes a Learn and Test Tool (21220) and OBD Connector Assembly (21225), which captures TPMS sensor ID’s, and programs them directly to the vehicle. The kit works as both a scan tool and a TPMS tool, and eliminates the need for separate OE or aftermarket scan tools for these vehicles.
The new kit is currently compatible with Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia models, with plans to add Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Honda, Subaru and Mitsubishi compatibility in the near future.
SmarTire Reaches Patent Infringement Settlement with Schrader
Product NewsTPMS developer SmarTire Systems Inc has settled its previously pending patent infringement lawsuit against Schrader-Bridgeport International Inc. and Schrader Electronics Ltd. The terms of the August 21, 2008 settlement and license agreement between SmarTire and Schrader are confidential, reports SmarTire.
“We are very pleased with both the financial and non-financial aspects of this settlement and regard it as a positive conclusion to the action undertaken just over a year ago,” commented Dave Warkentin, president of SmarTire. “This should positively impact our business as we continue to vigorously defend our intellectual property rights.”
TPMS Maker Expands TIA Certified Ranks
Product NewsFour more Schrader-Bridgeport International employees and representative agents have become TIA Certified Automotive Tire Service (ATS) instructors.
Schrader said it’s Certified ATS Instructors are available to educate technicians and improve their skills and expertise, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing professional, certified TPMS trainers.
Equipped with the proper training, technicians who are TIA Certified have the knowledge and skill to profitably service TPMS systems and avoid damaging critical components. (Tire Review/Akron)
K-Tool Publishes Catalogue, Reveals TPMS Upgrades
Product NewsWixom, Michigan-based tool manufacturer K-Tool International (KTI) has announced a number of new products, updates and promotions with the launch of their new 2008 AirAware Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPSM) Sensor and Service Pack Application Catalogue.
The catalogue, published by marketer Schrader-Bridgeport International, Inc, includes part listings and a tool and accessory section within its 44 100-per-cent-recycled pages. Among KTI’s new products are: software for TPM tools, enabling their usage on all vehicles in 2008, and for the programming interface module to support Microsoft Vista; the TPMS T-10 torque tool for the easy installation of replacement Schrader snap-in TPMS sensors; 23 new sensors covering 163 new applications; and a new TPMS quick reference kit.
SmarTire & Siemens Reach Infringement Agreement
Product NewsOn March 4 SmarTire Systems Inc. announced it had settled the patent lawsuit it filed against Siemens VDO Automotive Corp., now known as Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc. Prior to the February 20 settlement the lawsuit had been pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The terms of the settlement and license agreement between SmarTire and Siemens have not been disclosed, with SmarTire claiming the information to be confidential. In addition, Siemens has also acknowledged the validity and enforceability of SmarTire’s United States Patent No. 5,231,872 in a judgment that was entered by the district court on February 21, 2008.
Smartire Net Loss Lower than in 2006
Product NewsCanada based tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system producer SmarTire Systems has announced that the revenue for its fiscal year ending July 31, 2007 increased to $3,661,821 from $3,455,649 during fiscal 2006. However this rise in revenue was again accompanied by a net loss; $19.6 million or $0.07 per share, a reduced loss from fiscal year 2006, in which net figures were $28.8 million or ($0.10) per share in the red.
Cash used to fund operating and investing activities in fiscal 2007 decreased to $5.1 million from $8.1 million in fiscal 2006. The decrease in cash used was primarily due to the closure of the company’s UK office in late February, the reduction in the number of company employees by approximately 45 per cent and the issuance of shares to settle debt. Smartire state it anticipates that cash required for operating and investing activities in fiscal 2008 will decrease by another 50-60 per cent of the amount of the cash used to fund operating and investing activities in fiscal in fiscal 2007. The company’s operating expenses for the year increased to $7.7 million from $7.1 million in fiscal year 2006.
SmarTire Sues TPMS Makers Over Patent Dispute
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) British Columbia-based TPMS maker SmarTire Systems Inc. has filed suit in U.S. District Court against Siemens VDO Automotive Corp. and Schrader-Bridgeport International, claiming the two companies infringed on one of its TPMS patents. Specifically, Smart Tire’s claim in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia alleges infringement of its U.S. Patent No. 5,231,872, entitled “Tire Monitoring Apparatus and Method.” No other details on the action were available.
Schrader AirAware Now in E-Catalogs
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Schrader Bridgeport International’s AirAware TPMS sensors and service pack lines are now included in e-catalogs by Activant and Wrenchead, the company announced.
“Our TPMS sensors and service packs are now available in the monthly eCatalog updates from both Activant and Wrenchead,” said David Weber, Schrader TPMS
project manager.
“Our aftermarket customers will now have the latest product application data in their system on a timely basis,” said David Weber, Schrader TPMS project manager. “With the rapid growth of TPMS at the OE level, our customers have told us how important it is to keep pace with new applications as we add them to our line.”
TPMS Maker Adds Tech Resources
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Schrader Bridgeport International has added technical and installation information for its lines of AirAware TPMS products on its Web site – www.schrader-bridgeport.com/airaware. “Schrader wants to make it as easy as possible for technicians to find the information they need, when they need it,” said David Weber, Schrader TPMS project manager. “Our expanded Web site provides answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding TPMS. And if they require further assistance, technical specialists are available at our TPMS hotline number to answer their questions.”
Schrader Adds New TPMS Retrofit Kits
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) Schrader Bridgeport International, Inc. has introduced two new AirAware TPMS retrofit kits. “The new retrofit kits allow TPMS to be installed on vehicles that are not equipped with OE TPMS,” said Schrader TPMS Project Manager David Weber. Weber said that Schrader’s new aftermarket TPMS kits monitor all four vehicle tyres, and detect underinflation of 25 per cent or higher.
TPMS Focus of TIA ‘Tires at Two’ Seminars
Product News(Akron/Tire Review) TIA is keeping a tight focus on the tyre pressure monitoring system issue, and is using its Tires at Two seminars at the upcoming SEMA Show to help attendees better understand the technology and service of these units. In addition, TIA is again presenting its highly popular panel discussion “Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets.” TIA’s Tires at Two seminars will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – Oct. 31-Nov. 2 – of this year’s SEMA Show.
