ALTAVISTA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Schrader®, a pioneer and leading global manufacturer of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), today announced its official launch of EZ-Sensor™, the automotive industry’s first patented OE-replacement TPMS sensor that can be programmed to function across diverse car makes and models. Created via a strategic alliance between Schrader and Bartec®, two of the world’s most respected names in TPMS technology, EZ-Sensor will help aftermarket retailers eliminate lost sales, simplify the TPMS repair process and optimize inventory levels. EZ-Sensor uses patented Schrader technology, which delivers a programmable sensor that requires only a single programming tool – a tool that most service and repair facilities already use today.
“Schrader is committed to helping the aftermarket take full advantage of this tremendous service opportunity by making the service/repair process easier – and ultimately, more profitable.”
Currently, there are more than 150 SKUs of tire sensors fitted to North American vehicles equipped with TPMS. This can mean money tied up in inventory for sensors that are rarely used or long waits in the service bay waiting for the right sensor to be delivered. With today’s launch, one (1) EZ-Sensor SKU covers more than 60 percent of TPMS-enabled vehicles in the U.S., supporting vehicle platforms such as Ford®, Chrysler®, GM®, Toyota®, Nissan®, Honda® and more. Schrader will eventually introduce one (1) additional SKU during its roll-out process, with a goal of having the two (2) EZ-Sensor SKUs cover an estimated 90 percent of the market by the end of third-quarter, 2011, if not sooner.
“EZ-Sensor serves as a much-needed solution to the ease-of-use and efficiency issues that have made TPMS servicing a challenge for the aftermarket sector,” said Carl Wacker, vice president of global sales and marketing at Schrader. “Schrader is committed to helping the aftermarket take full advantage of this tremendous service opportunity by making the service/repair process easier – and ultimately, more profitable.”
Schrader(R) drove this EZ-Sensor(TM)-wrapped Toyota Prius 6,200 miles from Detroit to the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, speaking about TPMS with customers and consumers along the way.
Compatible with all required TPMS installation, re-learn and verification functions, installation requires only the EZ-Sensor and a single programming/scan tool. EZ-Sensor can be programmed via several widely used tools the technician may already own, including: Schrader® 21230, NAPA® 92-1525, Bartec® Tech400 and SPX OTC® Genesys® TPR. For many technicians, this means no extra investment in additional tools. EZ-Sensor also features Schrader’s patented Snap-In TPMS valve and programming technology, which helps minimize installation time.
“We believe EZ-Sensor will help advance the adoption of TPMS because it removes many of the common barriers retailers face in servicing TPMS,” Wacker said.
Now, technicians can more efficiently complete these and other diagnostic applications using a single programming/scan tool:
- Capture make, model, year protocols
- Re-learn sensor IDs
- Program OE-equivalent sensors
- Determine which TPMS sensor(s) have failed before servicing the vehicle
- Enable TPMS re-learn procedures on import vehicles
- Conduct final verification step to ensure complete process accuracy
“With more than 50 million vehicles equipped with TPMS already on America’s roadways, it’s critical the aftermarket service segment is able to successfully integrate TPMS service,” said Sean McKinnon, director of automotive training development for the Tire Industry Association.
To demonstrate the ease and accuracy of EZ-Sensor, the Schrader TPMS team recently completed a 6,200-mile, cross-country “EZ Drive to SEMA” tour in an EZ-Sensor-fitted and wrapped Toyota Prius. The tour began in Detroit, Mich., with “pit-stops” at several aftermarket retailer and trade association locations en-route to the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Along the way, Schrader talked with customers and consumers about EZ-Sensor and the TPMS safety feature. The vehicle is on display at Schrader’s SEMA booth (#42203), where it is being used for EZ-Sensor programming and installation demonstrations. View video from the road trip at www.ez-sensor.com.
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EZ-Sensor is the latest example of Schrader’s leadership in and commitment to the industry; it also represents the company’s second major initiative of 2010. In April, Schrader launched a comprehensive online TPMS resource for drivers and the industry. A three-in-one website, TPMSMadeSimple.com (for drivers), TPMSMadeEasy.com (for the Aftermarket), and TPMSMadeRight.com (for OEs) address audience-specific TPMS needs.
About Schrader®
Schrader® is the pioneer and leading global manufacturer of tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), a vehicle safety feature that is now standard on all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. and growing in use worldwide. Schrader is the leading supplier of TPMS sensors, valves, tools and training. A wholly owned subsidiary of Tomkins Limited, Schrader also is widely known as the inventor of the industry-standard pneumatic tire valve − the patented valve used on every motor vehicle in the world today.
