New technology revolutionizes fleet maintenance, improves efficiency, and reduces CO2 emissions.
At the IAA Transportation 2024 event, Continental introduced a groundbreaking advancement in commercial vehicle tire maintenance—automated tread depth measurement. This innovative system, showcased at the event in Hanover, offers fleet operators precise, real-time insights into tire wear, enabling them to plan tire services more accurately, optimize maintenance schedules, and enhance overall fleet safety and efficiency.
The new technology uses advanced sensors and AI algorithms to measure the tread depth of tires, in addition to monitoring tire pressure, temperature, and mileage. By combining this data, Continental’s ContiConnect system can predict tire service needs, significantly reducing manual inspections and minimizing the risk of sudden tire failures. This allows fleet managers to align tire maintenance with other vehicle services, thus avoiding unnecessary downtime and saving operational costs.
Clarisa Doval, Head of Digital Solutions at Continental Tires, emphasized the importance of this innovation: “Our solution offers fleet customers a new level of predictability and efficiency. By precisely measuring tread depth and other key tire metrics, we ensure optimal performance, safety, and sustainability.”
Enhanced Efficiency and Sustainability
The integration of AI-driven analytics further enhances the system’s efficiency. The technology can calculate tire wear based on vehicle-specific factors, allowing for precise predictions of remaining tire life and the ideal time for maintenance. This not only extends the service life of tires but also helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, contributing to the overall sustainability of fleets.
In addition to this, the new system supports Continental’s “Lowest Overall Driving Costs” (LODC) consulting approach, aiming to provide fleet operators with tools to minimize costs and increase productivity. Tires, although only about two percent of a fleet’s total costs, have a significant impact on fuel and maintenance expenses, which can make up nearly 50 percent of operational costs.
ContiConnect Lite and Pro: Customized Solutions for Fleet Management
Continental also introduced two new versions of its ContiConnect tire management system—Lite and Pro—designed to offer tailored solutions for different fleet needs. The entry-level ContiConnect Lite is app-based, allowing users to monitor tire conditions, such as pressure and temperature, via Bluetooth before a trip. It’s designed for quick and easy use, with minimal setup requirements.
The more comprehensive ContiConnect Pro offers full digital tire management, providing detailed data on tire conditions, automated alerts, and service recommendations. The system also tracks vehicle location and status, further streamlining fleet operations and enabling predictive maintenance.
Continental’s advanced tire monitoring systems represent a significant leap toward sustainable fleet management, helping businesses enhance safety, reduce costs, and promote greener practices.
As the transport industry faces increasing cost pressures and sustainability demands, Continental’s innovative tire solutions, including its new automated tread depth measurement, are set to revolutionize the way fleets operate. With the upcoming market launch of ContiConnect in 2025, Continental is reaffirming its position as a leader in smart tire solutions, offering fleet managers a powerful tool to drive efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure a safer, more sustainable future.
