Five heavy-duty truck manufacturers have added the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to their data books for Class 7 and 8 trucks. Approval followed extensive testing and validation by International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Volvo.
“The comprehensive tests have been great opportunities to jointly validate our stability system,” said Jim McClelland, vice-president, original equipment sales, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. “The truck OEM involvement helps us precisely adjust system parameters and sensors to match each company's vehicle specification and ensure that the system performs optimally in a robust and reliable way.”
The ABS-6 Advanced with ESP is capable of recognizing and assisting with prevention of vehicle rollovers, jackknifes, and loss of control in a wide range of driving situations. The ABS-6 Advanced stability system has sensors that monitor brake pressure, steering angle, load and yaw rate, and speed of response. Multi-level sensing, tuning by OE configuration, all-axle braking, and individual corner braking improve the system's robustness and ability to properly match the intervention to the situation.
Kenworth will offer the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with ESP system as an option on selected Kenworth heavy-duty truck models. The announcement was made at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Kenworth continually explores, studies, and tests advanced technologies offered by suppliers that may be a good fit for customers,” said Mike Dozier, Kenworth chief engineer. “We're pleased to introduce the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with ESP as an important option for selected Kenworth Class 8 truck models.”
Kenworth plans to offer the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced system with ESP starting with specific short wheelbase tractors, such as fuel haulers, followed by other tractor applications and on straight trucks, including concrete mixers. Kenworth also will offer the full range of ABS-6 systems as an option. This includes the Bendix ABS-6 Standard system and the Premium system, which is available with automatic traction control.
Peterbilt began offering the ABS-6 product line as a new option on select Class 8 trucks in April. The top-end configuration, ABS-6 Advanced with ESP will be available in June for the Model 387 and September for the Models 379, 386, 385, 378, and 357.
International Truck and Engine Corp announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show that it will offer the Bendix ABS and stability system on select Class 8 trucks. Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with RSP (Roll Stability Program) was part of the first phase launch on 9200i and 9400i premium conventional tractors in April.
In addition to the advanced system with RSP, by 2006 International customers will have the ability to choose the Bendix standard or premium ABS-6 configurations. ABS-6 Standard is a no-cost option that provides core ABS control and robust diagnostic capabilities, such as traditional blink codes, the patented Bendix “Chuff” test, and comprehensive computer-based diagnostics. An upgrade to ABS-6 Premium adds Bendix Smart ATC traction control, enhanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, and customization options to the package.