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NEWS
Michelin Opens RFID Patents
the North West Automotive Alliance (NWAA), all of whom we thank for their continuing support, in getting tighter regulations ratified.”
Simpson added: “This subject is
practices for what is a safety critical item.
“The UK Government sits in Council with its 27 counterparts from the other EU Member States, and for this amendment to make it
In the interest of fostering harmonised international standards for tyre RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, Michelin has announced that it will license free of charge any of its patents that would overlap with the adoption of such standards. Globally recognised single core tyre RFID standards include: AIAG B11, JAIF B21, ISO- 17367, TMC RP 247, GS1-EPC TDS 1.5. In line with FRAND (Fair, Reasonable And Non- Discriminatory) licensing policies, Michelin says it will expect reciprocity from any entity which may be concerned by the adoption of such standards. In effect, this means that Michelin’s patents will be licensed royalty free on condition that any prospective licensee commits to license any of
its current or future patents that would also overlap with the adoption and execution of the standards cited above under similar conditions.
“The RFID technology has been around for many years”, commented Terry Gettys, Executive Vice President, Research and Development at Michelin. “During the London Olympic Games last year, Michelin tyres embedded with RFID technology were used on buses to improve safety and operation efficiency. We believe that the most important enabler to a broader integration of such technology within the transportation industry is the adoption of a global standard. This small step should help us get there.”
John Ellis
European Parliament Votes to Support CV Wheel Safety
very close to my heart and I will continue to do all I possibly can to reach an agreement with the Council and see the amendment in law. This change is not designed to place extra financial burden on the CV sector, but create far safer
into the final legislative act we need support from Council. We trust that we can count on the UK Government to push for this amendment and get the support required.”
Brian Simpson
Goodyear Survey Reveals Importance of Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
A survey recently commissioned by Goodyear in several European countries has revealed that, currently, fleets prefer to make their tyre choice based on tyre performance rather than tyre application. The most important performance area for operators is rolling resistance, which
directly influences fuel efficiency. Of the fleets interviewed, 77% classified this as “very important” or “extremely important”. Mileage (76%) and wet grip (75%) classified second and third. Transport has evolved over the last years and there is now a much greater mix of the types of haulage that transport
companies are engaged in. In addition to this, operational costs are increasing. The survey showed that 91% of the fleets interviewed predict a further increase in fuel prices and 84% of them expect an increase in other costs as well.
That is why they are
focusing more than ever on reducing their operational costs, including concentrating
on selecting the best tyres for their business model. It is no coincidence, therefore, that 70% of the fleets interviewed claim they already purchase fuel efficient tyres or that they will start doing so in the near future (21%).
The survey was conducted by MV2 Conseil on behalf of Goodyear. Around 500 truck fleets from France, Italy, Germany, Poland and Spain were interviewed.
The European Parliament (EP) has voted to support the testing of commercial vehicle wheels fitted onto non-standard axles as part of the EU Roadworthiness Package, which including endorsement from the Department for Transport (DfT). The safety issue, which has been led by Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) and included the company’s managing director, John Ellis presenting expert testimony to the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), was raised as an amendment by Transport Committee chair and North West MEP, Brian Simpson following the initial report in March.
The legislative text reads ‘wheels and hubs are critical safety components and should be totally compatible’, and it covers both roadside technical inspections and periodic vehicle testing.
MWSD has long argued that non- circumferential hubs, which give only partial contact between axle and wheel, are causing untested load stresses which cause cracks
and half life expectancy of the wheel. To improve safety Ellis called for wheels to be identified as safety critical, closer cooperation with original equipment manufacturers (OEM), that all wheels and axles be tested to
European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) standards and that all wheels periodically undertake a thorough 10-point check plan.
The next stage will be for negotiations to start between the Council, who has not supported the amendment, and the EP to finalise the legislative text. Both parties are known as co-legislators, meaning they have equal power and will work together to find an agreement. Further details are due towards the end of the year.
Ellis said: “This is hugely welcome news, and a significant step forwards in promoting wheel safety and the issues being created by non-circumferential hubs. We were also very pleased to see the DfT support the amendment, who we have been working closely with since the outset of the campaign in early 2010. That said, there is still plenty of work to be done, and we will continue to work closely with Brian Simpson, the Dft, Paul Goggins (Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East) and
4 Commercial Tyre Business