A truck tire from Groupe Michelin and Bridgestone Corp.'s line of run-flat tires were among the products to win innovation awards at Reifen Essen 2016.
The awards were presented during opening celebrations of the trade fair, which continues through May 27.
Michelin won for its Michelin X Line Energy Triple A tires. The line offers complete coverage of tires that have achieved Class A fuel efficiency according to the European regulations. The line includes a drive axle tire for trucks, a steering axle tire, and trailer tires with Class A fuel efficiency.
Bridgestone's DriveGuard run-flat tires were recognized for their versatility, as they can be fitted to almost any passenger car equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The specialist jury also gave a special mention to the tire for its environmentally friendly credentials, as it is fully recyclable.
Service concept and process optimization award
4JET Technologies GmbH was recognized for its system designed to equip tires with an individual, permanent QR code which can be read by a smartphone camera. The company has also developed a process which enables individual QR codes to be marked onto the tire using lasers. This means that the scan and connect application enables tires to be continuously monitored throughout their life cycle.
Motor vehicle service award
Corghi SpA's Uniformity is a tire fitting machine with diagnostic functions. The new machine will allow what is referred to as match mounting to take place on the tire fitting machine itself. Not only does Uniformity carry out normal tire fitting and removal, it also conducts a complete diagnostic process of the individual wheel and/or the vehicle's entire wheel set.
With the Innovation Awards, Messe Essen wishes to further promote and embed the awareness of tires and tire-related products and procedures as a sustainable high-tech product in the mind of the public. Benchmark test criteria included environmental credentials, sustainability, resource conservation, and innovative content. Messe Essen is displaying all applications from candidates during the trade fair in a dedicated area in Hall 7.
For more information: visit www.reifen-messe.de.
