TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company have announced the joint development of a new system that will automatically adjust the performance parameters of a vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC) system based on the dimensions and other characteristics of the vehicle’s tires.

"As more people seek to customize their vehicles through the use of larger wheels and tires, or exchange tires seasonally, we want to ensure that the onboard systems, such as electronic stability control, will still offer the intended safety and performance benefits," said Phil Cunningham, product business director for TRW chassis products. "To accomplish this, TRW and Goodyear have developed a system that enables vehicle control units to recognize tire characteristics and adjust the electronic stability control trim level accordingly."

"The system being developed demonstrates the synergies created through the collaborative effort launched by TRW and Goodyear in 2003," said Steve Roth, Goodyear’s director of vehicle systems. "Through Goodyear’s leadership in tire embedded electronics and tire/vehicle interaction, and TRW’s expertise in electronic stability control, we are introducing a system that will help to enhance vehicle safety."

The system provides ease of implementation to auto manufacturers and allows them to offer more choices to their customers. It is expected to be particularly helpful in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment when winter tires or custom wheels and large-diameter tires are used. Tuning the electronic stability control system for the specific tire used improves its performance in any vehicle. The new system is targeted for production for the 2009 model year.