TPMS and RFID
TPMS manufacturer Hamaton has extended the initial software subscription customers receive when they purchase a new ATEQ VT56 tool to three years from one. Users will, therefore, have access to regular software updates for two extra years at no extra cost.
The Motor Transport Awards have announced the shortlist of finalists for 2021 and TyreWatch has been nominated as one of the contenders for the innovation award. Says the MTA: “With an incredibly strong field of entries, our judges have been able to recognise 52 outstanding companies who have been able to demonstrate innovation and excellence.” Established over 5 years ago in Basingstoke, TyreWatch is an evolving digital tyre management platform which uses remote telematics technology to monitor and manage the wheels and tyres of ‘connected’ vehicles.
ZF and Goodyear are partnering to provide “an integrated fleet and tyre management solution supporting mixed and multi-brand cargo fleets and trailer manufacturers”. The long-term agreement sees Goodyear and ZF bring together ZF’s Transics-branded, Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) and Goodyear’s tyre portfolio and mobility solutions. According to the companies, the goal is that “ZF and Goodyear will leverage real-time data generated from all makes of Trailer Braking Systems (T-EBS) and tyre sensors…”.
Commercial vehicle tyre management system supplier TyreWatch will unveil two new products at this year’s ITTHub transport show. The company says the new additions will cut costs, improve safety and lower carbon emissions for operators across all commercial vehicle sectors. AutoAlign is a dynamic vehicle monitoring system designed to combat the widespread problem of wheel misalignment. TyreWatch says around a third of fleets suffer from misalignment unknowingly. The system will be rolled out in the UK in September 2021. Also due to be launched at the ITTHub show is a new version of the widely used TyreWatch VanSmart tyre monitoring system which, says the company, will improve safety and reduce running costs for light commercial vehicle operators.
Using the market proven TyreWatch ‘connected technology’ platform, AutoAlign continuously monitors each vehicle and detects any wheel alignment issue as soon as it occurs and automatically notifies the operator so that immediate corrective action can be taken.
Procon Readymix has become one of the first operators in the UK to protect its vehicles with the latest generation Wheely-Safe technology – combining intelligent tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing systems with walkaround checkers to help drivers complete daily inspections. The London-based concrete supplier has installed the products onto two of its 32-tonne DAF multi-wheelers, with a view to rolling it out across the rest of its 18-strong fleet over the coming months.
Goodyear Proactive Solutions has worked with airport equipment manufacturer Trepel to develop a tyre management solution for its latest aircraft tractor, the Charger 380. The heavy-duty version of Goodyear’s tyre pressure monitoring system has been integrated into the tractor’s dashboard. Goodyear calls this a “landmark industry first” for this application of its TPMS system, which normally operates through an app or web platform.
Commercial vehicle tyre management company TyreWatch has introduced a new version of their widely used VanSmart tyre monitoring system, to improve safety and reduce running costs for light commercial vehicle operators.
Imerys, a leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions, reports a significant reduction in tyre replacement and vehicle downtime since installing a TyreWatch remote monitoring service at its quarry in Furzebrook, Dorset. With a mixed fleet of off-road heavy plant and six bulk tippers, Imerys was looking for a solution to combat problems associated with tyre-pressure loss and, following a recommendation, turned to TyreWatch and their industry-specific PlantSmart telematics system.
A new collaboration between the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and connected car technology company Voyomotive aims to notify drivers and fleet managers of slow losses in tyre pressure days before a vehicle’s own TPMS system would provide a warning. In a pilot programme in the USA, Goodyear is processing real-time vehicle data provided by Voyomotive telematics controllers to create tyre pressure loss and pressure alerts that are sent to Voyomotive consumer and fleet customers via an app, SMS messages or to a fleet management system.
Bridgestone Corporation has invested in NEXT Logistics Japan, a company established by truck manufacturer Hino Motors in 2018 to explore new technologies and solutions for the logistics industry. The new investor will work together with NEXT Logistics Japan on a new long-distance transportation scheme that aims to reduce the number of drivers required for road haulage.
Wheely-Safe has launched a new generation of open platform systems, making its intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing technologies available for sale by tyre distributors and dealers for the first time. The new systems can connect to vehicle telematics and CAN bus directly and are offered alongside the brand’s standalone products. Wheely-Safe says the launch is part of its biggest series of upgrades to date. The new technologies include an auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor – which it claims is a world first – that eliminates the need for external valve sensors. The sensor is suitable for “all vehicle types” Wheely-Safe says, including cars, commercial vehicles, and plant machinery.
Bridgestone’s CES 2021 exhibit presents a fittingly virtual exhibit this year. During the tech-focused US Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which has been held virtually this year from 11-14 January 2021, Bridgestone is presenting its Bridgestone World interactive virtual city will allow users to explore the company’s advanced solutions and data-driven mobility services. Live and on-demand showcases will examine how the company is using smart tyre technology, advanced data analytics and new business models to put tyres at the centre of a more sustainable mobility system.
Theory is one thing, but practice is quite another. With this in mind, we took a look at one tyre retailer’s real-life experience with TPMS. Quayside Tyre & Service Centre reports that it has enjoyed a fruitful three-year relationship with Autogem, which began with its TPMS programme and i-sensor device, and has gone on to include Michelin Pro Series Wiper Blades for the first time. Here, owner Glenn Harrison reflects on a three-year anniversary with Autogem and outlines the benefits associated with the ongoing partnership.
While 2020 was a challenging year for the aftermarket, Autogem has reflected on a number of positives amid the turbulence which have cemented its position as a supplier of automotive chemicals, fasteners, hand tools, tyre and workshop consumables and exhaust fittings. Indeed, the firm’s TPMS programme represents a key highlight, with the company can lay claim to being “genuine innovators” in this segment.
Hamaton Ltd, a leading TPMS product manufacturer, has shared its tips on how to prepare and take advantage of increased TPMS demand. Hamaton’s tips are summarised with the words: prepare, train and sell.
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