TPMS and RFID
Stack Ltd exhibited at the 24th Performance Racing trade show in Orlando Florida at the start of December. The company, which is a leading global supplier of instrumentation, video-loggers and data acquisition systems to the Motorsport Industry reportedly has a firm foundation in Formula One and an increasing interest in high-tech tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
Alba Diagnostics has launched the new ALB30920 EOBD Black Box Data Recorder which the company began exclusively distributing at the start of 2012. According to the company, this ultra-compact all-in-one vehicle and driving performance management system continuously logs all engine parameters.
CES (UK) has announced that TPMS specialist, Schrader has appointed it as one of its selected UK distributors. The parts distributor says the partnership will allow it to stock one of the most comprehensive ranges of TPMS sensors available in the UK. It also enables CES to supply the service kits, tools and diagnostics that garages will need to undertake TPMS servicing and repair.
As of the 1 January 2012, the MOT test we all know and love will change. No I am not talking about the government consultation exercise mooting a possible change to 4-2-2 frequencies, that would be opening another can of worms entirely. What I am referring to is the technological evolution of the test that will see our belovedly idiosyncratic MOT stretch itself to incorporate an MIL survey. That’s a Malfunction Indicator Lamp check to you and me.
As of the 1 January 2012 the MoT Test will incorporate a malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) check. This will call for the examiner to visually check that warnings lights for ESP, SRS, ABS and TPMS are not permanently illuminated. This will come into effect from 1 January but will be highlighted as an advisory item only until 31 March. From 1 April onwards, vehicles will fail an MOT if these lights are illuminated. Warnings lights or MIL that are to be noted if illuminated include ESP; Electronic Stability Programme, SRS; Safety Restraint System, ABS; Anti-Locking Brake System, and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
Just days after signing a significant distribution deal in China Transense has announced a similar arrangement in another emerging market. Transense’ trading division, IntelliSAW, has reportedly entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Adperc of Brazil. Adperc has forecast sales of the IntelliSAW monitoring system in Brazil of at least $2.8 million over the next three years and will have to achieve this to maintain exclusivity in the territory. Adperc will provide distribution, system integration and marketing services for IntelliSAW's innovative wireless/passive temperature monitoring system throughout Brazil in electric power transmission and distribution systems. Like China before it, Brazil has been identified by Transense directors as a key geographical region for IntelliSAW.
Tyresure has released a new tool for tyrebays, dealerships and workshops; a precisely calibrated tyre pressure gauge that measures absolute, not atmospheric pressure.
When the European Parliament adopted a report with recommendations on how to improve European road safety between 2011 and 2020 it supported a number of measures includes a Europe-wide obligation for winter tyre fitment on all vehicles.
According to trade bodies NTDA and the Automotive Aftermarket Federation, the report reiterates the commission’s view that there needs to be a coherent approach to road safety and it calls for road safety issues to be addressed in all relevant policy areas, such as education (e.g. driver training, or information regarding the role of tyres and their proper maintenance), health (eye tests) or environmental and social policy.
Transense, a provider of sensor systems for the transportation and industrial markets, has entered into a strategic partnership with Wuhan Fenjin Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd through its IntelliSAW trading business. According to a statement released by the company, Fenjin will provide value-added system integration services for IntelliSAW's innovative wireless/passive temperature monitoring system throughout China in electric power transmission and distribution systems. China has been identified by the directors as a key geographical region for IntelliSAW. The partnership provides a foundation for the adoption of IntelliSAW's technology within China's so-called Smart Grid market.
Car parts and garage consumables distributor CES (UK) says that it is working to help independent garages ready themselves for continuing developments in the market, focusing on new TPMS legislation. From November 2012, TPMS will be mandatory on all new vehicle platforms, legislation designed to improve vehicle safety and drive down emissions. Although there is still almost a year until TPMS becomes mandatory, there are already many vehicles in the car parc that use the technology. The company has also recently launched its 2012 catalogue, with 100 pages of consumables, tools and cleaning products that are typically used every day by technicians.
Reduced downtime, improved tyre management and greater security are three of the advantages Goodyear claims the introduction of microchips into its truck tyre range will bring. The tyre maker has released its first product to utilise the technology, the Goodyear Regional RHT II RFID (Radio Frequency Identity) 435/50R19.5 trailer tyre; the microchip built into the tyre helps deliver fleet operators the above benefits through interfacing with FleetOnlineSolutions, Goodyear Dunlop’s internet-based tyre management programme.
An agreement between Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG and BorgWarner Beru Systems GmbH has been reached regarding Huf Electronics’ take over of BorgWarner Beru’s tyre pressure monitoring system business and acquisition of all shares in its Beru Electronics GmbH subsidiary. Subject to approval by the antitrust authorities the acquisition and merger of the Bretten, Germany based subsidiary, which employs some 230 people, will take place at the end of this year or early in 2012.
TyreSafe Australia has been awarded Australasian distribution rights for the PressurePro TPMS system. The fleet tyre maintenance specialist says it will target mining, road transport and bus sector customers with the US-developed system. “We are proud to offer product and service for the PressurePro system,” stated TyreSafe Australia’s PressurePro executive David Horne. “They pioneered commercial and aftermarket TPMS in the US and have been global market leaders for the past 20 years.
Although just five per cent of cars in the UK are fitted with TPMS, this figure is set to rise dramatically when EU regulations on its mandatory fitment in all new cars come into force in 2014. Anticipating this wider adoption of TPMS, next year updated MoT regulations also take effect – under these regulations, a malfunctioning TPMS will warrant a fail.
The Telegraph reports engineering firm Tomkins plc is selling its Schrader Electronics Ltd. tyre pressure monitoring systems business for approximately £550 million. Tomkins has appointed Barclays Capital to manage the sale of the Northern Ireland based business; The Telegraphs states that Tomkins’ Sensors and Valves business, which is also located in Northern Ireland, is being sold along with Schrader. According to the newspaper, a “handful of private equity firms” have been approached regarding the sale.
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