The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tech, despite its huge safety benefit, is still seen as a premium feature in most mass-market passenger vehicle segment and two-wheelers in India. Aurangabad-based component supplier Varroc’s Indirect TPMS with over 90 percent accuracy aims to make smart inroads. Tier 1 automotive supplier Varroc is looking to harness the data from GPS sensor and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensors to provide tyre pressure information to two-wheelers and four-wheelers. 

The company is looking to make smart gains through Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (ITPMS), which rely on existing sensors in a vehicle to generate the information without compromising on quality and time-lag.

Fritz Abraham, Chief Technology Officer, Varroc, told Tyre Trends that “the direct TPMS uses pressure sensors at the air inlet of each tyre and communicates the information to the vehicle dashboard using wireless communication or through complex harness. This is not only expensive but also require heavy maintenance. If there exists a solution that can use the existing sensors and provide the information of tyre pressure, it is the ‘Indirect/Intelligent Tyre Pressure Monitoring System’. This system provides information of the tyre pressure without the need of a pressure sensor.”

The radius of the tyre changes with respect to air pressure and hence the linear displacement per one rotation of tyre changes with respect to the pressure. The linear displacement can also be measured using GPS by calculating the rotational speed of the wheel and radius of the tyre.

The ITPMS solution simply put is a software stack that can be integrated with Varroc’s cluster and telematics solutions. The machine learning (ML) software analyses various parameters set by the company to provide tyre pressure reading to the user. Since it does not require any additional TPMS hardware, it is substantially cheaper compared to solutions using battery-based sensors.

“The ITPMS exploits the deviations in linear displacement with respect to wheel rotations and predicts the tyre pressure. This relation is not straightforward; it is a complex method to derive the mathematical equations. Hence, ML techniques are used to quantify the relation,” said Abraham.

The ITPMS primarily requires a GPS sensor (telematics data) and ABS, which is integrated during the vehicle assembly level. Varroc states that OEMs will be able to provide access to the tyre pressure on any HMI (Human-Machine Interface) device like the vehicle instrument cluster, vehicle telematics and connectivity app, among others, to easily provide the information of the tyre pressure.

Varroc had initially initiated the development of the ITPMS specifically for two-wheeler applications. The company mounted a GPS device on a two-wheeler equipped with ABS. It collected the data during vehicle operation across varied scenarios, including differing tyre pressures, diverse road conditions and various weather conditions such as sunny and rainy days.

“This data was then post-processed and analysed using data science and machine learning techniques to develop a model that accurately captures the relationship between tyre pressure, wheel speed and the speed as measured by the GPS. This model forms the foundation for understanding and monitoring tyre pressure indirectly using available data points from the vehicle’s operation,” he shared.

Demand scenario for TPMS

It is no secret that while TPMS technology has been around for more than a couple of decades, its adoption in India still remains a very small percentage. In India, most TPMS solutions available in the OE as well as aftermarket are Direct TPMS.

They are said to have their own set of challenges, such as its reliability due to varying temperatures, environmental and climatic conditions. Then there are the challenges associated with wireless communications. Sensor battery issues and cost too are deterrent factors.

On the other hand, the small percentage of vehicles that utilise existing ITPMS categorise the tyre pressure in broad classifications (low pressure or high pressure). They do not provide precise measurements, which limits their adoption and effectiveness in ensuring optimal tyre performance and safety.

However, Varroc already has developed the ITPMS to provide basic information (low or high); now it is in advanced stages of development to provide precise tyre pressure information with over 90 percent accuracy.  While the company has been tight-lipped about the introduction of the solution in the market, Varroc is said to be in discussions with its clients to bring it to the market soon.

Abraham further shared, “The primary reason for the limited adoption of TPMS is cost. Premium segment vehicles often include TPMS as a standard feature due to the higher price range, making it more feasible to absorb the associated costs. In contrast, aftermarket TPMS solutions are generally expensive and demand ongoing maintenance, which can be a deterrent for many vehicle owners.  Additionally, there is a general lack of awareness regarding the importance of maintaining optimal tyre pressure. Many drivers may not fully understand the safety, performance and fuel efficiency benefits of consistent tyre pressure monitoring, further impacting the adoption rate of TPMS systems.”

As per the company, the ITPMS comes with self-learning feature and is designed with 80 percent cold tyre pressure threshold and tested per AIS 154. The threshold can be further optimised and customised as per the requirement of the customer.

Yokohama TWS appointed Lawrence Harmon as regional president for North and Central America, tapping a tyre industry veteran to drive its expansion in the region.

Harmon, who assumes the role on 1st January, will report to TWS President Elio Bartoli, the company said in a statement Thursday. He joins from Yokohama ATG, where he served as president of the global OE business.

The appointment brings an executive with three decades of tyre industry experience to oversee Yokohama TWS’s regional strategy and commercial operations. Harmon previously served as executive vice president of marketing and sales at The Carlstar Group and held senior executive positions at Michelin, where he managed various sales channels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lawrence to lead our North and Central America operations,” said Elio Bartoli, President of Yokohama TWS. “His deep industry knowledge and leadership experience will be key to strengthening our market presence and advancing our business strategy.”

“Our priority in North and Central America will be on enhancing collaboration with the replacement sales network,” Harmon added. “With our ‘local for local’ approach, we focus on providing tyres and services that empower our customers and address their unique operational needs. With a strong presence in the OE market in North America, we look forward to working with our dealer network to achieve similar levels of share in the aftermarket. Leveraging the full potential of our multi-brand portfolio, we are committed to providing tyre solutions across Agriculture, Construction, Material Handling, and Two-Wheeler markets, helping our customers drive productivity and efficiency in every operation.”

Goodyear Tire & Rubber appointed Don Metzelaar as senior vice president of global manufacturing and supply chain, tapping an industry veteran to oversee its worldwide production network amid efforts to streamline operations.

The Akron, Ohio-based company said in a statement Thursday that Metzelaar, who starts on 13 January, will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Mark Stewart.

He joins from Johnson Controls International, where he served as chief manufacturing officer and global vice president.

“Manufacturing is at the core of our business, and the transformation of our manufacturing operations is central to our go-forward strategy,” said Stewart.

“With Don’s proven record of developing, enhancing and leading global footprints, I’m confident his leadership will accelerate our manufacturing transformation and

leverage our scale for operational efficiency and customer impact. I’m happy to welcome him to Team Goodyear.”

The appointment brings an executive with three decades of manufacturing experience to Goodyear’s leadership team. At Johnson Controls, Metzelaar led initiatives to transform factory processes and integrate systems across operations. His previous roles included senior positions at Whirlpool Corp., Honeywell International Inc., and Motorola Inc.

Metzelaar will oversee Goodyear’s global manufacturing footprint, supply chain operations, environmental health and safety, and quality control in his new role. He will also manage the tyre maker’s product planning and lifecycle systems.

Trelleborg AB’s tyre division has launched an ambitious digital initiative with its Premium Care Portal, marking a significant shift in how the company serves its agricultural customers.

The platform, which was introduced in November and has already attracted more than 6,000 European farmers and contractors, represents a strategic move toward digital service integration in the agricultural sector, said the company.

The portal introduces sophisticated features, including automated warranty extension processes, personalised product promotions, and comprehensive technical training modules. Industry analysts note that this digital transformation could set new standards for customer service in the agricultural tyre segment, traditionally known for its conventional approach to customer relations.

“Exclusively available to agricultural professionals and contractors using Trelleborg Tires, the Premium Care Portal is an intuitive platform designed to enhance their agricultural experience while unlocking the full potential of our Premium Care Program. Caring for the needs of our customers is at the core of our mission, and we continuously introduce innovative tools and services to support their productivity and success. This personalised service strengthens their connection with Trelleborg Tires and empowers them to manage their daily agri operations with greater efficiency” commented Roberta D’Agnano, EMEA Marketing Director at Yokohama TWS.

Continental AG, the German tyre maker, launched its PremiumContact 6 performance tyres and ContiSeal puncture-prevention technology in India, expanding its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.

The company showcased the products at Chennai’s Wabco Proving Ground, demonstrating its latest passenger and commercial vehicle offerings.

The PremiumContact 6 line, targeting India’s premium vehicle segment, incorporates several key technologies: the Macroblock technology provides improved cornering stability, while silica compounds enhance grip in both wet and dry conditions. The tyres also feature asymmetric tread patterns designed to reduce deformation.

These tyres will be available in 17- to 20-inch rim sizes through Continental’s Indian dealer network.

ContiSeal technology

The ContiSeal system can automatically repair up to 85 percent of punctures from objects up to 5 millimeters in diameter, addressing a key concern in India’s varied road conditions. The technology uses a viscous sealant layer inside the tyre, eliminating the need for immediate roadside repairs or spare wheels.

Commercial vehicle expansion

In the commercial vehicle segment, Continental has introduced two significant additions to its lineup: The company now offers 295/90 R20 tires with five tread patterns specifically designed for hybrid and regional applications and 235/75 R17.5 sizes engineered for light commercial vehicles.

Continental didn’t disclose pricing details for the new products.

Speaking at the launch, Samir Gupta, Head of Central Region – BA Tires APAC and Managing Director of Continental Tires India, stated, “The launch of the PremiumContact 6 and ContiSeal is another step in our commitment to bringing advanced, tailored solutions for Indian roads as part of our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ strategy. The products exemplify our dedication to safety, comfort, and performance, addressing the diverse challenges faced by Indian consumers.”

He added, “With the new launches, we aim to instill confidence, ensure a superior driving experience for our customers, and generate value for stakeholders.”