Initial testing for a new radio frequency-based tag that will identify and track tires on vehicles has concluded.
"We've received a lot of support in our efforts from major automakers, tire manufacturers and radio frequency technology companies," says William Hoffman, chairman of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Radio Frequency Identification Tire & Wheel Indentification Work Group, which has spearheaded the technology's development.
Each AIAG-approved tag is scheduled to contain a 12-character "coding structure" or Department of Transportation number with data on where the tire was made, its size, its components and the week and year it was built.
Tags then would be scanned into a database along with corresponding vehicle identification numbers.
Tire and automobile manufacturers involved in the system's development include Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., Continental Tire North America Inc., DaimlerChrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Hankook Tire Co. Ltd., Michelin North America Inc. and Pirelli SpA.
The next two phases of testing will be held later this year at a vehicle assembly plant and a tire manufacturing facility.
Founded in 1982, the AIAG is a non-profit trade association with 1,600 members in the automotive industry.
