The REIFEN Innovation Award, the "Oscar" of the tyre sector, was presented on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the international REIFEN trade fair (June 5 - 8, 2012) at Messe Essen. 28 applications to be candidates had been received in the "Technology and Products", "Service Concepts and Process Optimisation" and "Environmental and Resource Conservation" categories and assessed by an expert jury. Throughout the duration of the fair, visitors can see the submitted contributions on the Innovation Award booth in the Galeria.

Snap-on Equipment GmbH from Unterneukirchen (Hall 1.0, Booth 211) was convincing in the "Technology and Products" category. The "geodyna optima II diagnosis and balancing machine" was honoured. It combines the stripe of light technology with precise balancing technology. The wheel is scanned with the aid of five cameras. All the data is established: Any possible defects on the tyre or wheel rim are diagnosed and documented and can thus be rectified.

Alligator Ventilfabrik GmbH from Giengen (Hall 1.0, Booth 215) was victorious in the "Service Concepts and Process Optimisation" category. The prize went to the "Alligator sens.it" - a tyre pressure checking (TPC) sensor which can be programmed in the garage and offers programming and support via the Internet. In the near future, all European vehicles must be equipped with TPC systems. In the finally fitted wheel, the "Alligator sens.it" TPC sensors can be programmed for the customer's specific vehicle through the tyre wall.

Continental Aftermarket GmbH from Frankfurt (Hall 3.0, Booth 130) received the REIFEN Innovation Award 2012 in the "Environmental and Resource Conservation" category for the ATE Ceramic brake linings. During the braking operation, these brake linings equipped with an innovative compound with fibre technology produce a transfer film on the brake disc which protects it from excessive abrasion. The result: less braking dust and thus a better appearance, more comfort and less wear. The wheel rims must be cleaned less often. That saves time and lowers the consumption of expensive and environmentally harmful wheel rim cleaners and valuable drinking water.

For the fourth time already, Messe Essen and Bundesverband Reifenhandel und Vulkaniseur-Handwerk ("Federal Association of the Tyre Trade and the Vulcanisers' Skilled Trade") honoured particularly pioneering solutions with the REIFEN Innovation Award.