Page 17 - CTB N12 - 2015-04

COMPANY NEWS
Telematics Integration Takes ContiPressureCheck to the Next Level
Following its launch 18 months ago, Continental Tyres’ tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) – ContiPressureCheck – has gone from strength to strength and is already offering huge benefits to many fleet operators across the country. Practical new features and partnerships with established telematics providers to link the tyre information from ContiPressureCheck into onboard telematics systems demonstrates Continental’s focus on offering more tailored and integrated tyre solutions to the market.
ContiPressureCheck has integrated sensors, a data processor and communication system all housed in a rubber container that is glued to the inner surface of the tyre tread. Via the central control unit (CCU), information from the TPMS is already available as real-time data fed directly to the driver, however with the integration into onboard telematics systems fleet managers can now also receive the information directly to their screens back in the transport office.
The first partner to launch ContiPressureCheck integration in
the UK is Verilocation, a family- owned business whose telematics system of the same name improves the efficiency and productivity of fleet operations. Trials are underway with one of Verilocation’s customers,
which if successful will lead to the roll out of ContiPressureCheck across its whole fleet.
At the CV Show,
Continental will also
be showing how ContiPressureCheck
can be linked to
the TIS-Web online
data analysis and
archiving service
provided by VDO.
Arthur Gregg,
commercial
sales and
marketing
director at
Continental
Tyres said:
“Proactively
managing tyre condition
is an important way of reducing fleet costs and maximising efficiency and through our ability to integrate our
ContiPressureCheck system with both a telematics system and an archiving service we’ve demonstrated the next step in doing this. Live
monitoring vehicles through existing
telematics systems reduces the time
and effort needed to review the data and identify issues, while accurate
information allows operators to
build up a detailed picture of their
tyres’ performance over weeks and
months. This archived data will not only help
to highlight any problem areas but also make sure the tyres are performing at
optimum levels.”
A new feature added recently to
the ContiPressureCheck system is Automatic Trailer Learning (ATL). ATL is able to automatically detect a newly coupled trailer equipped with ContiPressureCheck sensors, making it easier to monitor tyre inflation
even when the semitrailer is changed frequently.
Using TPMS can give commercial vehicle operators a competitive advantage, by allowing them to catch any potential tyre issues early on. Tyres which are 20 per cent underinflated can increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to three per cent. Underinflated tyres can also increase tyre wear and therefore reduce service life. Early detection of under-inflation caused by a puncture means tyres can be repaired and refitted in the majority of cases, avoiding the possible safety and financial issues caused by an emergency tyre breakdown.
Gregg concluded: “The integration of our ContiPressureCheck system into fleets’ telematics systems is just one example of how as a company we want to provide entire solutions to problems, rather than simply the best tyres for the job. As vehicles become increasingly high tech the need to look at the whole picture will only increase and we are ideally placed to work with our customers to make sure our products fit into their operations.”
New Training Centre at Rema Tip Top UK
Rema Tip Top UK has announced a significant investment in a new Conference and Training Centre at the company’s UK headquarters in Leeds. The centre has been built in
agricultural vehicles and operative skills on its range of Corghi garage equipment.
Rema Tip Top Chief Executive, Mark Insley stated: "We recognise
the importance of education and training to an industry which is responsible for the safety of millions of people on our roads on a daily basis. "With this well-equipped and highly professional facility we will provide an invaluable resource for our customers." Managing Director, Cliff Jones
commented further; “With an increasing number of new starters joining the industry, the training courses will provide educational theory and practical application on the correct repair procedures and techniques to ensure the integrity and expertise of the next generation. With the addition of the garage equipment training
facility we can now offer our customers a comprehensive training package,” said Mr Jones. “It’s about making sure we provide a total solution to our customers and market as a whole.”
The new centre was introduced at an open day recently where the tyre press was treated to a half day information course on tyre repair materials, given by centre manager Jim McNally, who
will lead and deliver the core tyre repair training content. McNally has over forty years’ experience in the industry and is a respected industry figure both domestically and internationally on the approved tyre repair of car, truck, agricultural and
earthmover vehicles. Rema Tip Top are aiming to market the tyre repair courses at the centre both in the UK and overseas. One, two and three day courses are available for interested parties covering the following key repair procedures:
• Minor Repairs to Car,
Truck & Agricultural Tyres • Car & Truck Repair
Vulcanising with a two stage
system
• Truck Retreader / Repairer
• Train the Trainer
• Sales Representative Introduction
to TRM
• Casing analysis and tyre
inspection
• OTR Tyre Repair
The new training centre will also see the re-introduction of the RTTA Major Tyre Repairer ‘MTR’ programme.
Full details of courses and prices can be obtained from Rema Tip TopUK.
refurbished office space vacated when the company’s industrial division relocated following the acquisition of Ace Conveyors in 2008. In doing so the company becomes a fully-fledged school of excellence, offering all its customers comprehensive industry specific training for the repair of tyre injuries on passenger car to
Commercial Tyre Business 17