Goodyear to supply intelligent tires to delivery fleet in Europe

Brussels — Goodyear is taking its "intelligent" tire pilot initiatives overseas.

The Akron-based tire maker is partnering with Redspher SA, a Luxembourg-based transport and logistics group, to equip some of its vehicles with sensor-equipped "intelligent" tires that can monitor tire wear and pressure.

Goodyear's initiative will tie into Redspher's "Rubiwin" services platform, which helps customers track costs such as fuel, insurance, incidentals, maintenance, etc.

Goodyear initially will provide the tires to delivery and service vans to capture data about the high mileage vehicles, the company said.

"Because some of these vans travel approximately 450 miles per day, this exercise provides feedback in demanding conditions, where high mileage and time-critical deliveries are essential," Erin Spring, Goodyear director of new ventures, said.

"The importance of efficient fleet management is vital for Rubiwin members and us," Redspher CEO Philippe Higelin said.

"The ability to use tire information to enhance safety and performance is a win for all, especially in the on-demand delivery business where time is often critical."

Contern, Luxembourg-based Redspher operates through a number of delivery companies in 19 countries throughout Europe.

Goodyear recently launched several programmes and has partnered with other companies to see how its tire technology can benefit fleets.

In May, Goodyear teamed with Prazo Inc. a California short-term electric car subscription company, to help maintain its fleet of vehicles. 

And in March, the Akron tire maker partnered with Envoy Technologies, a California electric car-sharing service that will use Goodyear's predictive tire-servicing program to forecast and schedule fleet maintenance.