Pirelli brings cyber fleet to Europe

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Hanover, Germany - Pirelli has doubled testing of its Cyber Fleet system in Germany, where it says more than a million kilometers have been monitored in barely two months.

Cyber Fleet carries out constant real-time monitoring of tyre pressures and maintenance schedules using a sensor inside the tyre connected to a terminal, which Pirelli claims leads to fuel savings of around Euro 1000 per vehicle every year as well as extra benefits in terms of fleet safety.

Pirelli chose Germany as its latest test ground in preparation for the new Cyber Fleet system going on sale by the end of January 2013. The test program, which began in the second half of July, will continue until February with the objective of accumulating as much information as possible, which can be matched to the results obtained in South America. Some 15 heavy good vehicles carried out the European programme confirming the results obtained in Latin America, Pirelli said.

The 15 vehicles involved in the European test programme belong to German fleets providing municipal services, as well as transport of goods and people. Cyber Fleet showed positive results in both versions tested: the dynamic version which transmits tire pressure, temperature and distance information in real time, showing up any anomalies via an onboard terminal, and the static version, where data can be downloaded onto a portable terminal.

“The efficiency of our system, which is currently also being tested in South America where conditions are different, has been confirmed during our latest European tests,” said Giovanni Pomati, BU Truck Director.

He added, “There was even an instance where the central operating system, which monitors the tyres, spotted and quickly alerted the driver to an anomaly before he even noticed it. The sensor detected a significant pressure drop in one tyre and provided data in real time to the fleet manager, who was able to arrange a rapid fix for the problem, caused by a damaged wheel.”

Pirelli said Cyber Fleet is part of a line of technical solutions developed by the researchers to promote safety and efficiency within the global framework of sustainable mobility. Correct tyre pressures are vital to guarantee optimal performance when it comes to driving precision, dry and wet grip, and reduced braking distances.

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

News release from Pirelli