The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has introduced a tyre intelligence solution for cargo van fleets. Called Goodyear SightLine, the solution will initially be available in Europe and North America, and later this year Goodyear will also offer it to original equipment customers and emerging fleet and mobility providers.
Three Japanese firms are jointly conducting pilot testing that involves joining data gained from an internet-capable tyre with a road surface sensing system to map data. The trio – tyre maker The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.; map and navigation technology specialist Zenrin Co., Ltd.; and technology company Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. – have now also begun studying ways to monetise this technology.
Pirelli claims a world first with its original equipment tyre supply to the new McLaren Artura hybrid supercar. The Italian firm isn’t shipping any old bespoke P Zero tyres, rather tyres that will ‘talk’ to the Artura via Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre system. Each of the 235/35Z R19 front and 295/35 R20 rear tyres contain a sensor that loquaciously provides vital data to the car’s onboard computer.
Michelin has developed its Michelin Track Connect motorsport monitoring system with a new Leisure mode. The new mode is the third available in the tyre monitoring system, and the first designed to extend its accessibility to all users, regardless of the type of tyre fitted. The new mode joins Expert mode for track day participants looking for to improve their performance, and Motorsport mode for rally drivers – and soon track competitors too. Both of these modes require the Michelin Track Connect Kit – comprising sensors and a Bluetooth receiver as well as the smartphone app – and connected Michelin tyres, unlike the Leisure mode. The system has recently become original equipment on the new Renault Clio Rally.
Bridgestone has collaborated with Microsoft in the development of a new monitoring system for the real-time detection of tyre damage. The UK’s Department for Transport 2018 statistics show tyre issues contribute to 30 per cent of all car accidents caused by technical failure. Bridgestone says its Tyre Damage Monitoring System is the “final piece in tracking tyre issues.” The system offers similar applications to recent market solutions that process live data using algorithms to predict the effects of tyre damage and notify drivers, fleet operators and service providers. What separates it from existing systems is that no additional hardware need be installed, the manufacturer adds.
Michelin has launched a new Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect road-legal track tyre. Intended for 80 per cent track use, the Connect version of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 has an integrated container for a sensor. This makes it the first 100 per cent connect-ready tyre on the market. Users need only insert the Michelin Track Connect solution sensors. This allows drivers to optimise their performance during track days. Further improvements to the tyre construction and tread have helped Michelin offer a tyre that improves on the base Pilot Sport Cup 2, itself a favourite fitment of GT racing models. The tyre will receive its world premiere as original equipment on the BMW M2 CS.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber says its road testing and customer field tests involving connected tyres recently surpassed the 3-million-mile mark with initial studies showing these connected tyres can reduce stopping distance lost between a new and worn tyre by 30 per cent.
Venson Automotive Solutions has published a free white paper on tyres for fleet decision-makers and company car and van drivers. The company states that “all too often price wins over vehicle use, age and mileage when it comes to buying and replacing tyres,” compared to the investment devoted to preparing vehicles for the latest connected technology.
Bridgestone is making its first-ever appearance at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The company is using an interactive display to demonstrate its mobility solutions for current mobility and future autonomous vehicles. They focus on extended mobility, improved safety and increased efficiency.
Pirelli has presented what it calls the “World-first 5G enhanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) services.” The tyre manufacturer claims to be the first tyre company in the world to transmit information detected by intelligent tyres regarding the road surface via the 5G network. The demonstration took place during The 5G Path of Vehicle-to-Everything Communication event organized by 5GAA – Automotive Association, of which Pirelli is a member, in Turin, Italy.
Yokohama Rubber has teamed up with Alps Alpine to conduct research and development into CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services and Electric) compliant sensors for passenger car tyres. The tyre maker chose to partner with the Japanese electronics specialist as, in addition to experience in sensor development, Alps Alpine possesses system design and software development capabilities that Yokohama anticipates will deliver synergies to its new tyre business model.
A window into the future of tyres, Yokohama-style, awaits visitors to the Tokyo Motor Show. The Yokohama Rubber stand will feature a “future technologies corner”, at which Yokohama will introduce its CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Services) technologies.
A first for Michelin – the tyre maker reports that, along with Safran Landing Systems, it conducted a test flight of a connected aircraft tyre. Testing of the PresSense tyre took place at the Istres air base in southern France on 13 June, using a Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000S.
Only recently, Michelin unveiled its first connected tyre solution that amateur driving enthusiasts can go out and buy for their cars. This is Track Connect, a system compatible with the newly-launched Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tyre and now on sale in several European markets. A dedicated competition version has also been developed – the tyre maker calls it Michelin Motorsport Connect, and this solution will be introduced at the next rounds of the French Rally Championship between 13 and 15 April. Michelin Motorsport Connect will then initially be released in France, with prices starting at 400 euros, before being introduced elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world.
Michelin
Michelin