TPMS and RFID
Run-flat tyres released into the aftermarket are typically intended for vehicles initially fitted with run-flats as original equipment, however the latest run-flat Bridgestone is releasing in North America is aimed at cars purchased new with standard tyres. Bridgestone Americas says the new DriveGuard is the first full line of mass-market replacement tyres with this particular focus.
Bridgestone has been looking to increase its truck and bus tyre market position via strategic retreading acquisitions in this part of the European market for around a decade now. One such acquisition was the targeted purchase of Lincolnshire-based Bulldog remoulds back in 2005. A little more than a year later this key part of the UK market which specialised in mould-cure retreads was joined by the entire global Bandag operation, which of course specialises in pre-cure franchising around the world. The two operations couldn’t be more different aspects of retreading, however while the acquisitions came in quick succession and the benefits of both are obvious, Bridgestone has now spent years working through the integration of both into its wider business model.
Alutec has launched a new SUV wheel design with load-bearing in mind. According to the company the Alutec W 10 aluminium alloy features a particularly high wheel load of up to 1,025 kilograms. In addition the wheels is designed to be “technically sophisticated”, featuring a 5-V right up to the 20-inch size. The appearance has reported been sculpted with the large body surfaces of SUVs such as Range Rover Evoque in mind.
After a century of development, tyres are getting cleverer than ever. Now they are beginning to think for themselves – or at least feed back information automatically. For much of the history of tyres, research and development focused on materials, compounds, construction and processes – all things that have brought tyre technology to where it is today and will take it through tomorrow and beyond. What’s different now is that in the last couple of years we have seen the rise of “clever” tyres, intelligent tyres, even cyber-tyres – call them what you will. The point is that these products are seeking to transform the tyre from being a passive component that runs fine as long it has tread remaining, is cared for correctly and avoids sharp objects. Now it is becoming an active part of modern connected vehicles, providing feedback as to the tyre’s type, state and even environmental conditions. All this is exchanged with the vehicle’s on-board computers in order to optimise performance. In the case of passenger cars this means sharing such data with ABS and ESP, helping the car “feel” the road and conditions.
This week Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe is offering the industry a glimpse at the future of tyre technology, exhibiting its “chip-in-tyre” sensor technology at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. As you would expect the technology is designed to enhance the cornering, braking and stability performance of the car. What’s new is the extent to which the Dunlop chip-in-tyre offers direct link between its microchip, the car’s on-board computer and even the increasingly common infotainment screen.
Following last year’s roll out of its third generation coach and bus tyre range, Continental will turn its attention to goods vehicles at the CV Show 2014. Conti plans to showcase the first two products from its goods vehicles range: the ContiEcoPlus and the Conti Hybrid. The manufacturer has begun a new naming system for its TBR tyres, with the nomenclature designed to describe more clearly the application the product is intended for.
Wheelmaker Uniwheel has released a new Rial-brand alloy wheel aimed leisure vehicles, vans and small trucks. Available in five and six spoke designs, the Transporter (as it is known) is available in a “polar-silver” finish in a variety of 15 – 17 inch sizes.
Come November, every new car and light commercial vehicle sold in the European Union will need to have a tyre pressure monitoring system, making the region the second behind the US to make TPMS fitment mandatory. The question vehicle manufacturers must answer is which type of TPMS is best for them. While direct TPMS systems have enjoyed a lot of attention since the first phase of the ECE R64 legislation came into force in November 2012, one indirect TPMS manufacturer expresses confidence in a growing presence in the high-volume market.
Schrader International, the leading global manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions, was presented with Frost & Sullivan’s 2013 North American Price Performance Value Leadership Award in Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in early February. Frost & Sullivan recognized Schrader as the best-in-class leader for the design and manufacturing of valve and sensing technologies for TPMS, in both the original equipment and aftermarket channel
Transense Technologies, which develops RFID and TPMS systems, reported its first profits of £20,000 (EBITDA) for the first half of the current financial year, ended 31 December. The figures are still comparatively small, but the company hopes its progress is now entering growth territory.
Schrader International has appointed Aaron Nelson as its new regional sales manager in Western Canada. Nelson brings nearly a decade of experience working with automotive and diesel performance products. Based in Edmonton, Nelson’s responsibilities include assisting Schrader customers with their TPMS programs and driving sales growth throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Continental AG has integrated the cables for wheel speed sensors and the electric parking brake (EPB) into a single harness, making the company one of the first manufacturers to offer such a combination of components. And what’s more a Japanese car manufacturer is set to introduce the innovation in 2015.
Retail sales of tyre pressure monitoring system sensors and service kits are growing fastest in northern Europe. According to Ian Smith, managing director of British firm Tyre Sure which supplies Tech Europe’s TPMS needs across the continent, drawing a line from the Nordic region south to Spain and Portugal gives you an ever-decreasing continuum of market demand. As you might expect there is a direct correlation between having a distinct winter market and TPMS success. Those at the South of Europe have comparatively little demand by comparison.
Dana Holding Corporation has launched new technology to support its Spicer central tyre inflation system (CTIS). The new technology is designed to optimize the performance of lower flow CTIS applications for smaller government defence and “vocational” vehicles with a new mechatronic control unit (MCU) option. According to the company, this technology identifies and reacts to tyre inflation issues more effectively by enabling individual wheel control. The MCU is an integrated unit that includes electronic, computer, and mechanical engineering with the intention of delivering improved reliability, a smaller footprint, reduced weight, and less wiring complexity.
Following the publication of an informational poster last year on the subject of TPMS, the Scandinavian Tire & Rim Organization (STRO) subsequently issued a market newsletter questioning whether TPMS actually had to be working in order for cars to pass the Swedish national equivalent of the MOT. Writing in a newsletter published on 10 December 2013, the STRO explains that debate broke out at the end of last year and has yet to be resolved, but the gist of it is that there is a significant different of opinion (or perhaps) interpretation.
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