Feb 2012: Pirelli Breaks New Ground in Fleet Safety with Cyber Fleet

Italian tyre major Pirelli announced the launch of an ‘intelligent’ tyre for the haulage sector. Named Cyber Fleet, this tyre greatly enhances fleet safety and control by providing up to the minute tyre information to both drivers as well as fleet managers back in the office. The Cyber Fleet tyre also offers information on the geographical location of the tyre.

Pirelli tyres aptly launched the Cyber Fleet on the occasion of its Annual Truck Safety Day in Italy. Whether it is Formula One or Fleet, trust Pirelli to do things in style.

The Cyber Fleet was unveiled at the snow covered track, where the company’s new 01 winter tyre range was being tested.

About Cyber Fleet

With Cyber Fleet, Pirelli extends to the commercial vehicles sector its innovative ‘intelligent’ Cyber Tyre technology initially launched in 2010 for car safety. The Cyber Tyre technology developed by Pirelli researchers is part of Pirelli’s commitment towards providing sustainable and safe mobility solutions to customers.

Significance of Cyber Fleet for Fleet Operations

The Cyber Fleet is equipped with an electronic sensor that continuously records and transmits tyre information such as pressure and temperature while on the move. The information is made available through appropriate systems to both drivers as well as fleet managers.

Driving the vehicles under the right tyre conditions is essential to have greater steering control. It also ensures better cornering stability and braking response. These factors are directly related to safety and reduced incidences of accidents. Besides, the right tyre conditions reduce wear on the tyres and improve tyre life. Also running costs are reduced, thanks to increased fuel efficiency. This translates into considerable cost savings across the fleet.

Importantly Cyber Fleet also transmits the tyre identifications information so fleets know which data pertains to which tyre and can accordingly undertake remedial measures.

Cyber Fleet Technology

Working in association with Schrader Electronics, leading tyre pressure monitoring systems developers, Pirelli has designed an electronic sensor called the TMS (Tyre Mounted Sensor) that is capable of capturing tyre data whilst the tyre is moving. The TMS is mounted on the inside of the tyre and continuously records the important data. The recorded data is transmitted not only to the truck driver, but also the fleet manager.

The fleet manager, reviewing the fleet as a whole can then make decisions regarding diagnostic and repair procedures. Being aware of which tyres needs urgent repair work and thus can’t be used, the fleet manager can plan accordingly the use of the vehicles, so that business continues uninterrupted. Otherwise, the vehicle breaking in the middle of road is not only expensive, but can create negative effects for the business.

Also Cyber Fleet offers mileage information that allows the fleet manager to schedule tread wear inspection to optimize the effectiveness and safety of the tyre and thus the fleet.

Eager to Use the Cyber Fleet?

Well you will have to wait for a while. The Cyber Fleet will be first tested by European and South American fleets in February this year. Following these tests, Pirelli expects to launch the Cyber Fleet for sale by September 2012.

This article is written by expert Chris J Dutton who has 17 years industry experience and writes news, content and press releases. If you would like to make contact with Chris then you can do so by Email and also see Chris's Google+ profile or contact customer services for any other query.