Bridgestone Corp. and Continental AG will join forces to develop an advanced tire pressure monitoring system for commercial vehicles. The two companies aim to begin mass-producing the system in 2007. "We want to set a worldwide standard," says Dr. Hans-Joachim Nikolin, board member responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Tires Division at Continental, who spoke during the IAA International Commercial Vehicles Show.

Tire-pressure monitoring systems could help enhance safety and lower vehicle maintenance costs by alerting drivers to improper air pressure in tires. Improper air pressure accelerates tire wear and can cause tires to fail. The pressure-monitoring technology Bridgestone and Continental will develop together centers on a battery-less module for installation on the inside surface of tires. That sensor will detect air pressure and temperature, and it will contain a readable and writable ID tag. Wheel arch modules will pick up the measurements and supply energy to the tire module.

The two companies will also develop peripheral technologies to enable drivers and maintenance personnel to monitor the sensor readings. In the future, truck drivers will receive early warning of any loss in tire pressure, thus helping to prevent tire blowouts and reduce the danger of an accident. Optimum tire pressure at all times also cuts fuel expenses.

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