Continental launches intelligent cloud-based tire monitoring platform
Premium tire manufacturer Continental officially launched its new digital tire monitoring platform in December, named ContiConnect Live. It is the latest in Continentals series of next-generation digital solutions to tire monitoring and intended to integrate into existing Continental tire systems ContiPressureCheck and ContiConnect Yard and form a complete solution for tire monitoring for commercial fleets.
ContiConnect Live can be used by all Continental tires that are equipped with factory-fitted sensor technology. The system constantly monitors and collects data on tire pressure and tire temperature, vehicle location, GPS data, and operating hours. Data is transferred in real-time to a storage cloud via a central telematics unit.
Continental claims this will give fleet managers quicker access to a more accurate overview of the condition of their fleet tires. This translates into lower operating and maintenance costs, reduced downtime, and allows better time-management and overall logistics from any location.
The real-time monitoring system will be initially rolled out in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the UK, France, and Portugal and will be available for European markets soon after. Almost every third car in Europe is fitted with Continental tires making it the ideal for mass adoption of ContiConnect Live.
Typically, vehicle fleets suffer from high operating costs with tires being a significant expense. Additionally, fleet vehicles cover vast distances and travel between different logistics or work sites, making tire monitoring difficult. Having access to real-time data via ContiConnect Live allows fleet managers to act proactively instead of reactively towards tire replacement.
A key advantage that ContiConnect Live offers over the existing ContiConnect Yard application is there is no longer any need to install a location-specific yard station read and transmit data. Data is transferred directly to the cloud and available to be accessed immediately.
ContiConnect Live can be interfaced via a browser-based web portal and accessed from any type of device. A vehicle or fleet's entire tire history can be shown, enabling retrospective analysis. Email and SMS notifications can be utilized to alert to any problems and suggest corrective measures. Fleet networks have access to repair and service partners from the Conti360 network that can immediately take corrective action if required.
Continental has been integrating sensor technology into its tires since 2014 and now has an entire range of intelligent tires that come with a premounted sensor that is ready to integrate into the ContiConnect Live system. Continental tire sensors are available for purchase separately and can be retrofitted to any existing tire.
The ContiConnect Live system is also compatible with Continentals range of smart tires, the Conti C.A.R.E. This was inveiled by Continental earlier in 2020 as an intelligent alternative to traditional rims and tires. As well as collecting and transmitting operational data via the ContiConnect app, Conti C.A.R.E analyses data and makes real-time adjustments to optimize tire performance and longevity.
Although ContiConnect Live was designed as part of Continental Tires' commitment to lowering operating costs for commercial fleets, the ContiConnect Live system has already made its way into off-road racing as a key element for teams looking to get an edge in reliability. The Extreme E off-road racing series commences in 2021 with Continental acting as an official sponsor and tire supplier.
The Extreme E series takes place in some of the toughest terrains in motorsport including the rainforests of Brazil and the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Throughout each race, tire pressure and temperature data will be collected and sent to an in-vehicle cockpit display and transmitted to support crews via a telemetry link. Visual and audio warnings will trigger the moment an issue is detected, allowing valuable extra time for support crews to strategize.
