Continental is revolutionising fleet management with its latest innovation: automated tread depth measurement for commercial vehicle tyres.
This cutting-edge technology, part of the new ContiConnect sensor generation, allows fleet operators to monitor the wear rate of their tyres with unprecedented precision, offering daily updates that enhance service planning, safety, and efficiency.
To be unveiled at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, this innovation marks a significant leap forward in tyre management, promising to reshape how fleet managers approach maintenance. By integrating this technology with AI-based algorithms, Continental enables precise prediction of when tyres will require service, optimising maintenance schedules and minimising costly downtime. The company plans to launch this new solution to the market by summer 2025.
"Our new tyre sensor is a great all-rounder. It records tread depth accurately at all times, as well as tyre pressure, temperature, and mileage. With ContiConnect, our customers can always keep an eye on the condition of their tyres and upcoming maintenance needs," said Clarisa Doval, Head of Digital Solutions at Continental Tires. "We are the first to enter the market with a solution for measuring tread depth. In doing so, we are setting new standards. We offer our fleet customers an innovative technology that takes the efficiency and predictability of tyre services to a new level."
This advancement significantly reduces the need for manual inspections, providing a vital tool for sustainable mobility. By ensuring tyres are maintained and replaced at optimal times, the system helps fleets avoid the pitfalls of early or late tyre changes—both of which can increase operational costs, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions.
The technology behind Continental's automated tread depth measurement is as sophisticated as it is effective. A new generation of sensors measures changes in the radial acceleration of the tyre, interpreting these variations to assess tread depth. The more flexible the tread rubber, the shallower the tread. This data, combined with AI that factors in tyre specifications, mileage, and vehicle-specific conditions, allows for precise predictions of tyre wear and the remaining service life.
With this level of detailed insight, fleet managers can align tyre maintenance with vehicle schedules, avoiding sudden operational interruptions and enhancing overall fleet safety.
In addition to the automated tread depth measurement, Continental will also introduce two new versions of its ContiConnect digital tyre management system—Lite and Pro—designed to meet the diverse needs of fleet operators.
Continental's innovations are key components of its "Lowest Overall Driving Costs" (LODC) strategy, aimed at helping fleets reduce operating expenses. Tyre-related costs may represent only 2% of total fleet costs, but they have a significant impact on other expenses like fuel, maintenance, and repairs, which can constitute up to 50% of total operating costs.
By providing data-driven solutions and premium tyres, Continental enables fleets to optimise their operations, reduce fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions.
Continental's consistent push towards developing new business models and digital solutions underscores its commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the tyre industry. The company is focused on creating an ecosystem of smart, digital solutions that support its premium tyres and deliver greater value to customers. This approach includes strategic partnerships with technology companies and customers, aiming to position Continental as a leader in service-oriented digital solutions.
As the transport industry faces increasing cost pressures, innovations like ContiConnect and its automated tread depth measurement offer fleet operators powerful tools to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and overall fleet performance.
