AKRON — Looking to improve its ability to deliver complete solutions for the future of mobility, Goodyear is collaborating with Priva Mobility Inc., a provider of mobile offices, to gather tire-operating data from Priva's vehicle fleet.
Goodyear has equipped Priva's fleet of vehicles with intelligent tires, which contain sensors to capture tire data. Goodyear said it plans to use the information gathered to improve its ability to predict upcoming tire maintenance needs, thereby reducing vehicle downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
"Fleets are looking to operate their vehicles as safely and efficiently as possible to meet the needs of their customers," Erin Spring, Goodyear director of New Ventures, said. "Digital tire information helps enable this goal by providing proactive information, integrated with their service scheduling needs."
Detroit-based Priva is a "door-to-door regional mobility solution" that pitches itself as an alternative to short-haul flights. Priva passengers ride in a business office on wheels built inside a Mercedes Sprinter van.
"Predictive maintenance technologies are essential for the safety and reliability of future mobility systems," Priva CEO Ryan Gee said.
"These technologies underpin commercial aviation and now must migrate into automotive applications. Goodyear's intelligent tire system is an excellent example of how technology will make mobility safer for everyone. …"
Priva's service includes door-to-door service, privacy, high-speed WiFi and limited beverage service, all for the price of about the cost of two airline tickets, the company states. The vans can accommodate up to four passengers.
Priva operates in Detroit and Chicago for now, and plans to expand to other cities. The companies did not say how many vehicles the start-up has in operation or how many miles they expect Priva's vehicles will cover.