Yokohama Rubber begins testing of unique tyre solution service for global taxi firms

Image credit: Yokohama Rubber

Yokohama Rubber have announced that it has begun practical testing of its Tyre air Pressure Remote access System (TPRS) as a tyre solution service for taxi companies.

The testing began in May and is being conducted together with the Company’s tyre sales subsidiary Yokohama Tire Japan and with the cooperation of Kyoto Taxi and Koshin Taxi. The TPRS test is being conducted using tyre air-pressure sensors developed by Yokohama Rubber attached to the inner surface of tyres mounted on taxis operated by the two companies in Kyoto Prefecture and surrounding areas.

The testing seeks to verify the effect of TPRS and the air pressure sensors attached to tyres’ inner surface, which Yokohama Rubber has developed as part of its response to changes in the automobile industry, such as ride-sharing services and other mobility options now available.

TPRS and the air-pressure sensors attached to the tyres’ inner surfaces enable car fleet operators and Yokohama Rubber staff to remotely monitor tyre air pressure, temperature, and vehicle location. The system aims to greatly reduces time spent checking tyres at the start of each day and records air-pressure data.

It also enables early detection of slow punctures that cause gradual air leakage. It also contributes to proper tyre maintenance, helps prevent inspection irregularities, and improves fuel efficiency by maintaining proper air pressure. In addition, the system’s ability to detect tyre abnormalities in real time can help prevent accidents.

Detection data is transmitted to a cloud server, enabling the taxi company’s fleet managers and Yokohama Rubber’s sales offices to monitor tyre air pressure. An alarm device installed in the taxi operator’s office will notify the fleet manager when air pressure falls to a level that will reduce fuel efficiency or indicates a possible slow puncture. Unlike the conventional valve-type TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), air-pressure sensor attached to tyres’ inner surface can be used on a wide variety of vehicles and wheels as an aftermarket part that can be used with any wheel type.

Yokohama Rubber has previously conducted practical testing of its TPRS for corporate cars and car-sharing companies, but the current test is being conducted with taxi companies who require strict tyre management with the aim of establishing a business model that contributes to the improved safety and economical operation of taxi fleets.