Like the current generation TPMS sensors, this new Hybrid TPMS sensor uses four basic wheel-mounted direct TPMS sensors to measure the pressure and temperature of the air inside a tire. What the Hybrid system then does is combine the data gathered from the wheel-mounted direct TPMS sensors and combines it with the wheel speed data from a vehicles ABS or electronic stability control (ESC) system. What results is an auto-location function which informs the driver which tire(s) may have low pressure. 

The combination of data from the TPMS sensors and the vehicle's ABS/ESC sensors is sent to the Hybrid System Receiver mounted in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. 

TRW Vice president of electronics engineering Martin Thoone states that the new Hybrid TPMS system offers a variety of new benefits compared to current generation TPMS systems

- Has the advantage of a premium auto-location system

- Eliminates the need for additional electronics to locate sensor positions

- Housing and installation costs are reduced since the receiver is located inside the vehicle, therefore making the Hybrid TPMS System the most affordable auto-located system yet.

- Comparable accuracy at a lower cost

- Best technical solution for both tire safety, reduces CO2 emissions, and improves fuel consumption

TRW Automotive Holdings expects that its Hybrid TPMS System will be ready for production by 2013.