Report: The Car Industry Is ‘Furious’ About TPMS Law
In November 2011 tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) will become mandatory, something that according to Auto Express is causing a “backlash” within the automotive community.
TPMS and RFID
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TPMS Issue Leads to US Volvo Recall
NewsIn the US Volvo is recalling more than 3,600 vehicles in its S80 range built between 2007 and 2010 due to a TPMS related issue. The US National Highway Transport Safety Administration reports that certain vehicles in the S80 range were sold to customers with incorrect maximum tyre inflation pressure on their tyre and loading information label and in their user manual. Furthermore, the vehicles’ tyre pressure monitoring system software is set to trigger at the incorrect level. As a consequence, the NHTSA states these vehicles do not meet the required safety standards. Volvo dealers will replace the label, owner’s manual label and TPMS software free of charge.
Nürburgring Aston Martin Uses Beru f1systems TPMS
NewsAston Martin Racing’s recent Nürburgring 24 hour V12 Vantage and Rapide entries ran Beru f1systems’ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to improve tyre performance and safety, the pressure systems maker has reported. “TPMS is being increasingly used by motorsport teams to improve both performance and safety,” says James Shingleton, applications engineer, Beru f1systems. “TPMS allows engineers to better understand tyre behaviour during usage. By closely monitoring tyre pressure and temperature, race engineers can optimise vehicle performance and tyre wear, while the system’s puncture detection algorithms provide drivers with warning of damaged or deflating tyres, giving them time to reduce speed or stop safely, and preventing further damage to the tyre.”
Manchester Central Redevelopment Ready for October’s Brityrex Show
NewsECI International, the organiser of Brityrex, says a new-look venue will greet exhibitors and delegates at October’s show at Manchester Central (formerly known as the G-MEX. The venue has spent £30 million over the past two years completing a major redevelopment programme. The most striking result of the investment can be seen by the addition of the new Charter Foyer and the new and extended Central Foyer, which have added cohesion to the venue’s facilities and offer greater ease of access within the Manchester Central site. The new Central Foyer is much larger than its predecessor and has added additional event space.
Translogik Signs RFID Chile Distribution Agreement
NewsIn April Translogik Ltd signed a distribution agreement with RFID Chile. According to the company, the agreement combines Translogik OTR TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) technology and RFID Chile's “mining application expertise” to provide a real-time OTR tyre temperature and pressure management solution to the South American mining industry. The system was launched at the 2010 EXPOMIN in Santiago, Chile. Chile is the world's largest producer of copper.
Translogik reported “enormous interest” from some of the world's largest mining operations from across South America and Komatsu 830E field trials of the new system, with a large Chilean mining company, were scheduled to begin on 10 May. At this point a team of engineers from Translogik and RFID Chile planned to fit three OTR TPMS systems to Komatsu 830E dumper trucks fitted with 57 inch tyres.
Seasonal Tyres, TPMS Keep Inflation Under Control
NewsThis week Canadians are being reminded to “be smart” about tyres. A national safety awareness campaign, Be Tire Smart Week, began on May 17, and to mark the occasion the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) has released a nationwide study that shows Canadian drivers are getting the message about the importance of correct tyre inflation and maintenance upon road safety, fuel efficiency and environmental protection. This study shows that the number of private vehicles running on improperly inflated tyres has fallen dramatically since 2003.
Bartec TPMS Tool Covers Nissan and Infiniti
NewsBartec USA, LLC announces the latest software update for its Tech400 TPMS re-learn tool. With this latest software update, the Tech400 tool reportedly provides market leading TPMS coverage of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. According to the company, this is perfect timing because a recent survey conducted by the Equipment and Tool Institute (www.etools.org) found 53 per cent of the respondents concluded that Nissan and Infiniti vehicles are the most difficult to work with.
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.
Translogik: Helping To Keep Tyres in Top Condition
Product NewsWith tyre costs rising, it makes sense for hauliers and fleet managers to ensure that their tyres are maintained in A1 condition. And it is not just the cost of the tyre itself – properly maintained and inflated tyres can reduce fuel consumption. Translogik produces a range of tyre inspection solutions for fleet managers, including hand-held tread depth and pressure probe – the OTR probe can measure treads up to 130mm deep and pressures up to 190 psi. These are complemented by Translogik's own software, which provides the fleet operator with a totally automated tyre management and fleet inspection process, allowing a series of reports to be generated. These can include a work-to-do list, highlighting what maintenance work is required for each vehicle, and a Tread Depth and Tyre Pressure Analysis.
Titan Releases Second-Gen 007 MFT Mining Tyre
NewsTitan Tire Corporation has introduced the second generation of its 007 MFT mining tyre product line. This new product, says the US manufacturer, offers enhanced durability, a more ‘aggressive’ tread pattern, improved heat dissipation and the ability to carry a larger payload. Sizes currently offered in the range include 59/80R63, 53/80R63, 40.00R57 and 27.00R49.
HiQ ‘Welcomes’ TPMS Legislation
NewsHiQ has commented on European Commission plans for compulsory tyre pressure monitoring systems on new vehicle types form 2012 and all new cars from 2014. Noting safety and reduced fuel consumption benefits, the fast fit network states that the implementation of this legislation provides a “clear signal” that TPMS are important and necessary for consumers. A further benefit, says HiQ, is that the adoption of TPMS will enable a greater number of cars to be fitted with run-flat tyres, which also contribute to increased safety.
Michelin & Pirelli Top US OE Tyre Study
NewsResults of the latest J.D. Power and Associates survey into OE tyre satisfaction levels in the US place Michelin and Pirelli on top in terms of positive consumer response. In the survey of 29,818 new-vehicle owners who purchased a 2008 or 2009 model-year vehicle, Michelin was ranked highest in the luxury, passenger car and truck/utility segments of the 2010 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, with strong results for tyre wearability recorded in the passenger car and luxury segments and for ride in the truck/utility segment. Pirelli came out on top in the performance sport segment and performed particularly well in the tyre appearance and tyre ride factors.
Global Tire Expo to Debut at SEMA 2010
NewsThe Tires, Wheels & Equipment Section of SEMA Show in Las Vegas is regarded as one of the major fixtures in the international tyre industry calendar. For years it has, as describes Tire Industry Association executive vice president Roy Littlefield, been “like coming home”, a place to catch up with old friends and colleagues, see valued customers face to face and learn the latest developments in the tyre industry. Yet Littlefield observes that, between the drastic downturn in the global economy and what he describes as “some complacency on the part of TIA and SEMA”, some within the industry may feel that the show might have lost its way.
Monityre Demonstrates Safety and Fuel Gains with Volvo Trucks UK
NewsVolvo Trucks newest driver training vehicle has been fitted with a Monityre tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from Safe Europe plc. The Safe Europe Monityre TPMS has been fitted to a Volvo FH-420 6×2 tractor unit, specified with the popular automated I-Shift gearbox, and is pulling a tri-axle Gray & Adams 13.6 metre trailer running at maximum weight 44 tonnes. This vehicle is part of Volvo Trucks’ driver training fleet of trucks that are being used for the company’s CPC Driver Development Programme with major fleet customers and operators.
Translogik Signs Exclusive Tyre RFID Deal With Qingdao Mesnac
International News, NewsTransense has announced that its sensor sales division, Translogik RFID Limited, has signed an exclusive global distribution agreement (excluding China) with Qingdao Mesnac Co. Ltd. for its range of RFID products. The tag has been developed to be embedded within the tyre during the manufacturing process, where it will last the lifetime of the tyre, or alternatively in a patch which attaches to the tyre wall, as an aftermarket solution.
