Annual Report 2010 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

RepoR t
85
North America
Bendix becomes main supplier for to Mack Trucks
The joint venture Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC between Knorr-Bremse’s US subsidiary Bendix
Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC and Dana Commercial Vehicle Products LLC, USA, has reinforced its
North American market leadership position. In April, the foundation drum brakes manufactured by
Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC became standard at Mack Trucks for the company’s commercial
vehicles, which are mainly long-haul models.
For the joint venture, becoming the main supplier for Mack Trucks confirmed its strategic direction.
Ever since the company was founded in 2004, Bendix Spicer Foundation Brake LLC has remained focused
on the development and production of highly robust and durable foundation drum and disc
brakes and slack adjusters.
Active Cruise with Braking System (ACB) for Peterbilt Motors Company
The Bendix Wingman ACB (Active Cruise with Braking) – an automatic emergency braking system – is
being offered by another major North American vehicle builder, Peterbilt Motors Company, further
underpinning the key position of Knorr-Bremse subsidiary Bendix as a manufacturer of safety technologies
for commercial vehicles in the U.S. market. The ACB system is built upon the Bendix Electronic
Stability Program and helps drivers avoid collisions and mitigate the risk of rollover and loss-ofcontrol
situations.
Using a radar sensor, ACB constantly measures the distance to the forward vehicle and, based on the
acquired data, automatically governs the speed of the truck. The radar sensor, which is mounted to the
front of the vehicle, can detect up to 32 moving and stationary objects within a radius of approximately
150 meters. If the following distance closes too fast, the system provides audible and visual
alerts to the driver. If the distance continues to close, ACB proactively intervenes in the engine and
brake control systems to mitigate the risk. In inclement weather or in heavy traffic, the driver can deactivate
the automatic intervention in the engine and brake control units.
Of course, ACB cannot replace a good driver. But the system can bring a significant improvement in
highway safety in everyday truck traffic and help reduce the risk of collisions and the related costs. In
addition, by assisting the driver to maintain a set following distance to the forward vehicle and preventing
abrupt acceleration, the ACB system can help save fuel.