TPMS and RFID
Yokohama Tire Corporation has launched an online-based resource tool that helps fleet owners effectively manage the costs and pressures of their tyres. The Yokohama Inflation Pressure Calculator recommends appropriate inflation levels, thus preventing under-inflation or over-inflation that are often the culprit behind the most common tyre wear, tyre damage and excess fuel consumption.
Having already reported considerable success in the UK consumer market with its passenger car TPMS system, Tyresure has now unveiled its latest multi-axle truck and bus technology. According to the company, the Tyresure system can handle up to four tyres per axle and up to six axles, meaning 24 separate pressures and temperatures can be constantly monitored and then relayed back to the driver in an easy-to-read format with full automatic alerts. And there is even talk of the equipment being fitted to the fleets belonging to well-known names in the FMCG business.
Hofmann has added a second iteration of its popular Fusion tyre changer and wheel balancer machines to its line-up. The launch of the Monty Fusion 2 tyre changer, and the Geodyna Fusion 2 digital wheel balancer is heralded by a Spring Collection promotion, running until 31 May, which allows garages to buy both machines for £3,999 (excluding VAT). Hofmann general manager, Chris Behan says the company is “delighted to announce the launch of Fusion 2, which spearheads our Spring Collection promotion.”
Ling Long Tyres, distributed in the UK through LL Tyres Europe, has announced that it will exhibit at next October’s Brityrex International exhibition in Manchester’s new EventCity exhibition hall. Meanwhile, Infinity Tyres, whose Infinity brand tyres are manufactured by Ling Long manufacturer, Shandong Linglong, has joined the Steering Group for Brityrex International 2012. Infinity was responding to a request by exhibition organiser ECI and the show’s sponsor, the NTDA.
AM Bromley Limited has launched new products intended to keep large off-road vehicles on the go for longer. TMS Log Graph is an analytical tool to be used in conjunction with its existing tyre pressure system, which features improved sensors.
At the start of 2012 Tyres & Accessories contacted leading automotive and aftermarket supplier Delphi with a view to getting this firm’s perspective on the increasingly important diagnostics side of the garage work. Paul Chaundy, service business line director, Delphi Product & Service Solutions answered our questions in the following interview:
Transense sales subsidiary Translogik Limited reports that it has received an order from Bridgestone Brazil iProbe commercial tyre inspection tool. According to the company, Bridgestone began work on integrating the iProbe into its systems in April (see announcement dated 21 April 2011). This work is now complete and, following a successful field trial and positive feedback from Bridgestone's customers, it is anticipated that further orders will follow as part of an on-going deployment programme by Bridgestone.
Pirelli has extended its Cyber Tyre technology to the commercial vehicle sector through the introduction of Cyber Fleet, an ‘intelligent’ tyre that uses an electronic sensor and computer system to provide drivers and fleet managers with up-to-the-minute data regarding the tyre’s condition and the vehicle’s geographical position. The new product was unveiled at the manufacturer’s recent Truck Safety Day in Italy.
No more than eight months before Brityrex International 2012 welcomes visitors through Event City's doors, the exhibition company responsible for the show (ECI International) is very upbeat about the speed of recent progress. Compared to the same stage ahead of the last exhibition in 2010, preparations are significantly ahead of schedule. But what exactly does this mean? And what does this year's show have in store for tyre industry visitors and exhibitors? Tyres & Accessories attended a recent Brityrex steering committee meeting chaired by the NTDA and held in central London to find out more.
AM Bromley has launched TMS Log Graph and enhanced TMS Internal Sensors for its Tire Monitor System for off the road vehicles. Manufactured independently by AM Bromley, the TMS System provides visible, real-time data to drivers and managers to help them return the best value on their outlay on tyres. The initial TMS range launched in 2005 and the company says it is now used by thousands of OTR vehicles across the world, with a “surge of interest from developing regions including India and China”.
It’s no joke. When new additions to the regulations governing MOT testing take effect on 1 April 2012 vehicles with dashboard Malfunction Indicator Lamps (MIL) lit at test time will fail their MOT. As we all understand these dashboard lights warn drivers when systems such as ESP or SRS airbags aren’t working properly, but this new rule also specifically highlights that – for the first time – their illumination will directly result in a mandatory fail (the rule comes into effect from 1 January but will be help up as an advisory only until 31 March). Warning lights or MIL that are required to be noted if illuminated include ESP; Electronic Stability Programme, SRS; Safety Restraint System, ABS; Anti-Locking Brake System, and crucially for our business TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
Today trucks carry some three-quarters of all freight transported in Europe and road freight is projected to grow a further 60 per cent over the coming three decades. Yet all is not blue skies and smooth sailing within the sector; according to a report published by Goodyear Dunlop, as many as 15 per cent of European hauliers worry they may be out of business within eight years due to increasing environmental regulation unless substantial progress towards improving fleet fuel efficiency occurs. The 44-page document, titled ‘The Road to 2020’, was released in tandem with a fleet symposium the tyre maker staged in Brussels on 25 January.
Snap-on has released the latest software for its best selling family of hand-held diagnostic tools. According to the company, version 11.4 provides nearly 20 per cent more vehicle coverage than the previous software release introduced earlier this year including coverage of the manufacturer SMART.
“Continued and committed software development ensures that Snap-on customers’ diagnostic tools remain consistently powerful and productive in the workplace,” says Mark Ost, UK sales director for Snap-on Diagnostics. “Our new 11.4 software download has significant new and profitable key features to help the workshop technician deal with the sophisticated technology used on today’s modern vehicles.
Techking’s Turkish passenger car tyre distribution partner has launched a local website promoting the Effiplus brand effipluslastikleri.com is seen as key marketing know-how in the company’s plans to the Effiplus brands.
In the US, Oro-Tek has added QR codes to its TPMS sensor packaging, allowing technicians to get application and relearn data direct to their smartphones. QR code scan apps are available for free for iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones.
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