Retreading solutions lie at the heart of Bridgestone Corporation’s new Sustainability Business Framework. Announcing details of the framework’s “retread centric model”, chief executive officer Shu Ishibashi shares that the tyre maker plans to utilise tyre monitoring technologies in order to offer customised retreads via a subscription model.
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.
Continental has demonstrated real-time tyre tread depth monitoring during a pilot project with Danish carsharing provider Share Now and telemetry specialist Traffilog. The project confirmed Continental’s ability to predict tyre tread depth in real-time to an accuracy within one millimetre.
Prometeon head office has announced the launch of Pro Check, a digital monitoring solution specifically conceived to offer an easy and effective tyre management for fleets and dealers. Pro Check is the latest addition to Prometeon’s Pro Services family. According to the company, Pro Check provides “a reliable and customized support to further optimize the operational efficiency of the fleets”.
BPW is now delivering the AirSave tyre pressure system, claiming that it pays for itself in the first year. The effectiveness of the company’s intelligent tyre pressure control system saves costs was tested in practice with transport companies: “The purchase pays for itself astonishingly quickly”, said Alfred Weyres, owner and managing director of Alfred Weyres Spedition GmbH. “The system ensures a permanently optimised roll resistance; fuel economy is clear – and added is the considerably longer tyre mileage. Because the fabric carcass is conserved, the system also optimises retreadability.”
Moray-based bulk haulier WJ&J Green has signed a five-year Michelin EffiTires tyre management contract. The deal, which includes the roll-out of Michelin’s EffiTrailer telematics system, marks a return to a 100 per cent Michelin policy across the truck and trailer fleet, after a decade of fitting a variety of tyre brands.
Prometeon Tyre Group has signed a partnership agreement with GreenRoad, a provider of fleet safety and performance solutions. According to the two companies, the agreement enables Prometeon to “enrich its PRO-Services fleet services portfolio, through the addition of PRO Drive, the new solution based on GreenRoad Know-how and expertise in the fleet management and Telematics sector.”
When ETRMA called for open access to vehicle data for tyre manufacturers, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturer’s Association had current and nascent Tyres as a Service (TaaS) technology in mind.
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has outlined the importance of access to in-vehicle data and communication with drivers. “Connected & Automated Mobility”, a report prepared in collaboration with Quantalyse, draws attention to recent proposals for closed data concepts, such as the Extended Vehicle, which give vehicle manufacturers exclusive control of in-vehicle data, thereby hindering innovation by third parties.
Michelin has agreed to buy the entire share capital of Masternaut, one of the largest European telematics providers, for an undisclosed amount. While not price details have been released, according to the company, the transaction has been made on the basis of eight-times 2018 EBITDA before synergies. Masternaut will continue to operate under its own brand as a fully-owned subsidiary within Michelin, and the transaction is expected to close within the next sixty days.
Bridgestone Europe has completed the acquisition of TomTom Telematics (Telematics) for €910 million. The deal passed the relevant regulatory stages, had full approval from TomTom’s shareholders, and received a positive response from TomTom’s works council, the tyre manufacturer states. Tyres & Accessories spoke with Bridgestone about the thinking behind the acquisition when it was announced in January.
After participating in an eight-month trial, family-owned haulier Ronnie S Evans has signed its entire trailer fleet up to Michelin’s Effitrailer programme. Results suggest that the haulier saved £45,000 during the trial period.
Bridgestone’s successful acquisition of TomTom Telematics follows earlier reports that both Michelin and Bridgestone were vying to buy the Telematics business unit from Netherlands-based company TomTom. In addition, according to Dutch financial daily Het Financieele Dagblad, Michelin was one of four in the running. For its part, Michelin was allegedly aiming to add the business into its Michelin Solutions portfolio. Clearly, in order to maintain its original plans and to compete with Bridgestone, Michelin will now have to find an alternative way of moving forward.
Bridgestone Europe NV/SA, the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, has entered into an agreement with TomTom to acquire its telematics business for a cash consideration of 910 million euros. Michelin had also been named as a suitor for the business when the news that TomTom Telematics was for sale emerged in November 2018.
It appears that Michelin and Bridgestone are interested in acquiring the TomTom Telematics business unit from Netherlands-based company TomTom. According to Dutch financial daily Het Financieele Dagblad (FD), Michelin – one of four companies vying to acquire the business – allegedly aims to add the business into its Michelin Solutions portfolio. The other interested parties are said to be Pamplona Capital Management, which already holds a 26.5 per cent share in London-headquartered telematics and data analytics solutions provider Octo Telematics, and a second, unnamed investment company.
Continental AG
Prometeon