Launches most optimized trailer Air Disc Brake MAXX22T™ in North America
WABCO, a leading innovator and global supplier of technologies that improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles, signed a long-term supply agreement with Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems to provide an advanced air disc brake (ADB) system for trailers in North America.
WABCO made the announcement leading up to the 2015 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), one of the largest heavy-duty trucking industry events in the world, held in March in Louisville, Kentucky (USA).
As part of the agreement, WABCO will launch its innovative MAXX22T™ in North America, the most optimized ADB system for trailer applications in the region. The new system combines WABCO’s leading braking technologies with Hendrickson’s premier medium and heavy duty suspension and axle systems.
The new brake system represents the commercial vehicle industry’s lightest air disc brake in North America. It contributes to WABCO and Hendrickson’s system offering overall weight reduction of up to 100 lbs on tandem axle trailers, thereby, helping to improve vehicle fuel efficiency or enable an increase in transport payload.
WABCO’s proven single-piston design features approximately 25 percent fewer parts compared to other air disc brakes available in the market. Therefore, it helps improve reliability and installation efficiency while lowering maintenance costs. In addition, WABCO’s bi-directional adjuster minimizes the risk of hot running brakes.
“We are excited to supply our air disc brake to Hendrickson, a global leader in medium and heavy duty suspension and axle systems. The cooperation of our two industry leading companies brings together a powerful blend of expertise and industry-leading technologies. We are proud to offer a state-of-the-art air disc brake system specifically for trailers in North America that can deliver high performance and value for our customers” said Nik Varty, WABCO President, Americas.
WABCO invests in SmartDrive Systems
WABCO has further strengthened its partnership with SmartDrive Systems, a leader in driving performance management solutions that help fleets to enhance operating safety and lower fuel consumption. The company has invested $20 million in the U.S based SmartDrive Systems and will jointly develop next-generation, video-based analytics solutions for commercial vehicle fleets worldwide.
This partnership harnesses the extensive capabilities and know-how of two industry leaders to help further enhance the safety and efficiency of fleet operators worldwide. SmartDrive Systems offers unequalled expertise in driver, vehicle data and video analysis.
WABCO and SmartDrive Systems will combine their breakthrough products and services to offer a new level of functionality and support. SmartDrive Systems offers real-time, video-based driving performance insights and analytics integrating information from data-rich vehicle systems such as WABCO’s advanced braking and stability control technologies into its offerings in real-time. The US company maintains a database of more than 100 million analyzed risky driving events that enable predictive analytics and real-time risk identification. This information can help fleets to identify and reduce potentially hazardous driving maneuvers and improve overall operating efficiency.
“We are excited to invest in our winning partnership with SmartDrive Systems. The integration of comprehensive real-time data gathered from WABCO’s on-board advanced braking, stability control and efficiency systems, together with SmartDrive Systems’ video-based driver performance management systems and data analytics services will continue to create significant value for fleet customers worldwide. The combination of our industry-leading technologies and services will help fleets to improve driver performance and further increase vehicle safety and efficiency” said Nik Varty.
“WABCO has made a significant investment in both SmartDrive Systems and our partnership. Fleets have experienced first-hand the unprecedented insight to potential risk that our combined systems deliver and can clearly see the significant role active safety systems play in protecting drivers from the hazards they face on the road every day. We are looking forward to jointly developing advanced products and services that build on our initial work together while expanding our reach to dynamic growth markets around the globe” said Steve Mitgang, CEO, SmartDrive Systems.