SmarTire Wireless Technology Adopted by Morgan
7 March 2000
RICHMOND, British Columbia--The innovative wireless tire monitoring technology created by SmarTire Systems Inc. has been selected by British automaker, Morgan Motor Company, for its stunning new 160 mph supercar. The Morgan Aero 8, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in February, will feature a SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system as a standard application when the production of the vehicle begins in July this year.
Charles Morgan, Managing Director of Morgan Motor Company said: "We have worked closely with top automotive suppliers in the selection of high quality, lightweight and technologically advanced materials and components. As a result, the Aero 8 employs leading edge technology such as SmarTire's wireless tire monitoring system in many of its unique features."
The Aero 8 will be one of the first to use run flat tires removing the need for a spare wheel. The state-of the-art run flat tires enable a vehicle to maintain safety and performance levels when a puncture or loss of inflation pressure occurs. The technology is now so effective that a tire pressure monitoring system is a necessary requirement to warn the driver of these difficulties.
SmarTire's system uses wireless technology to monitor the tires using sensors attached to each wheel. The device provides advanced warning should any tire fall below 20 psi via a LCD display fitted into the Aero 8's interior and includes a two stage visual and audible alarm to alert drivers of pressure related tire problems.
Ian Bateman, Managing Director of SmarTire Europe said: "We are delighted by Morgan's decision to use our system for the Aero 8 sports car. SmarTire is continually advancing its tire monitoring technology and we welcome the opportunity to work with such a likeminded company which looks to promote innovation."
The launch of the new Aero 8 represents the largest development program ever undertaken by Morgan in more than 90 years of sports car manufacturing. The vehicle has taken four years to design and follows the developments of the works GT2 racer which competed in the 1997 FIA GT Championship.
The SmarTire system is the only approved and commercially available tire monitoring product for cars, caravans, motor homes and trailers in the European automotive aftermarket sector. Through their strategic alliance, SmarTire Systems and TRW Inc. are committed to providing superior tire monitoring systems for both aftermarket and original equipment applications. Additional information and pictures of SmarTire's product in the new Morgan Aero 8 are available at www.smartire.com.