Milestones in the development of the DUNLOP TECH tire mobility system
In 1994/95 automotive manufacturers ask for the replacement of the spare wheel
Mercedes Benz (1994) and BMW Motorsport GmbH (1995) ask for the development of a tire mobility system to replace the spare wheel or emergency wheel. Developments in the field of wide tire tuning no longer allow for the larger wheel-tire combinations to fit into the spare wheel space. Moreover, any impairments - with regard to driving or appearance - as caused by the spare wheel or emergency wheel in the event of a breakdown shall be excluded.
In 1996 DUNLOP introduces the first tire sealant on the basis of natural rubber latex only
A DUNLOP development team launches the first tire sealant on the basis of natural rubber latex only. What is so special about it: natural rubber latex is used for the manufacture of tires as well as for our tire sealant. So both products are based on the same raw material, are compatible and may safely combine in the event of a tire puncture. The DUNLOP tire sealant ensures the fast, easy, and clean sealing of any tire punctures of up to 6 mm in size, thus covering 90% of all common tire punctures.
The tire sealant is given a name corresponding to its function:
Instant Mobility System, or IMS for short.
Mercedes Benz is the first automotive manufacturer to use IMS - under their own name, "TIREFIT" - as standard equipment for their SLK.
Further vehicle models and manufacturers follow thus IMS having been installed in over 90 models by different well-known manufacturers to date.
In 1997 DUNLOP founds the DUNLOP TECH GmbH company
Targeted on the synergetic combination of competences, DUNLOP TECH is founded. IMS as well as DWS (deflation warning system) have been the strategic business units of DUNLOP TECH GmbH to date.
In 1999 the DUNLOP TECH mobility kit becomes even more comfortable
The DUNLOP TECH tire mobility system consists of two components: the tire sealant, which is filled into the tire, and a electronic air pump used to newly inflate the flat tire. 1999 sees the achievement of a significant progress regarding the application of the tire mobility system: Compared with its hitherto merely manual application, so many steps can be reduced that the new tire mobility system works on a semi-automatic basis. From now on the new, so-called "Comfort System" completes the manually operated basic system.
1999 sees the first-time appearance of IMS on the spare market
From now on the tire mobility system is available on the spare parts market
by the name ‚Fill & Go’
In 2001 DUNLOP TECH GmbH develops a new Premium System
The new tire mobilitysystem in Premium execution reduces its application steps to a minimum. The procedure of sealing and tire inflation runs automatically.
2003 - 2006: DUNLOP TECH GmbH can reduce the quantity of sealant required
The performance of the latex milk can be optimized so as to ensure the same safe sealing being achieved even with a reduced quantity.
Another progress with regard to both economy and ecology has been reached.
In 2005 the DUNLOP TECH tire mobility system is awarded with the TÜV Mark
By means of this marking the TÜV confirms the fulfilment of relevant safety, quality and environment criteria. These are checked and certified on a regular basis.
In 2007 TÜV certifies the long distance reliability of IMS over 1,500 km
As a TÜV check certifies, IMS warrants for the reliable sealing of any tire punctures of up to 6 mm in diameter over a distance of 1,500 km at least.
In 2008 the performance of the IMS sealant can be optimized once more
200 ml of latex milk are enough to seal any punctures in the tread area.
In 2009 the durability of IMS is recognized to be 5 years
In 2009 continuous tests certify the five-year durability of the tire sealant IMS.