DUBLIN, Ohio ? Goodyear is teaming up with a Dublin-based logistics provider and the city of Dublin on a pilot program that will test connected vehicle technology under real-world conditions.
The partnership will "experiment in the areas of tire intelligence and cloud-based logistics, among others, within an innovation region located in and around Columbus, Ohio, known as the Beta District," Goodyear said.
"With the potential to share and enhance data on connected mobility, these experiments could lead to new products and solutions that will benefit trucking fleets, consumers and cities in the future."
Goodyear's corporate partner in the initiative is Ease Logistics Services L.L.C. of Dublin, a "multi-operational supply chain and transportation solution provider revolutionizing the customer experience."
Initial tests in the pilot include installing Goodyear TPMS Plus systems on eight Ease Logistics vehicles traveling throughout the Beta District outside of Columbus, a location for testing connected vehicle technology.
The Goodyear TPMS Plus systems will monitor tire conditions such as pressure and temperature in real time, which Goodyear said can improve vehicle safety and handling. EASE Logistics then can use the data to make maintenance and routing decisions that could improve traffic flow in the area, the partners said.
"Goodyear has a longstanding reputation for innovation and plays a leading role in global initiatives to advance mobility," Johnny McIntosh, director of integrated solutions and tire management at Goodyear, said.
"We continuously look for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded groups, such as Ease Logistics and the city of Dublin, to test and learn with the ultimate goal of discovering new mobility solutions."
The Beta District ? located northwest of Columbus between Dublin and Marysville, Ohio, that encompasses a 35-mile stretch of U.S. Route 33 and adjoining lands ? is a designated area where companies work collaboratively with nonprofits, academia and government entities to launch, test and evolve new technology in real-world settings, according to Doug McCollough, chief information officer for the city of Dublin.
Dublin got on board with the pilot because of its work to be among the most connected communities in the U.S., the parties said. In addition, Ease Logistics officials said their company shares common values regarding safety, sustainability and service with the Akron tire maker.
Goodyear over the past few years has made strides on the mobility front with several partnerships as it tries to position itself as a leader in tire technology that complements electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and connected vehicles.
Among recent developments are investments in TuSimple Inc., a San Diego-based technology company focused on making it possible for heavy-duty trucks to operate autonomously, and Starship Technologies, an autonomous delivery company.


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