ELYRIA, Ohio — Five years after Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC first introduced its ESP® Electronic Stability Program, full-stability technology is continuing to increase penetration levels in the commercial vehicle marketplace.
Even during a year of financial uncertainty and declining truck build, more than 26,000 Bendix ESP units were sold in 2008 – a 40 percent increase when compared with the previous year. And sales of Bendix ESP were on the rise at all current Bendix stability OEMs –International, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, and Volvo. By year end, more than 66,000 commercial vehicles were outfitted with the Bendix ESP full stability system.
“More and more fleets are recognizing full-stability technology as a valuable option for helping mitigate accidents and improve their safety records,” said Kevin Romanchok, Bendix product line director for electronics. “The answer to the question of full-stability versus roll-only options is becoming much clearer to the industry. There’s just no comparison in terms of the added protection full-stability technology can provide.”
Full Stability Grows In A Slow Market
“Despite the challenges we all faced last year and continue to address in 2009, full-stability technology is gaining momentum,” said Fred Andersky, director of marketing for the Bendix controls product business team. “Even in the current environment, those fleets serious about safety may consider other options to eliminate before sacrificing stability technology, especially those that have already invested in stability and realized its value.”
In 2008, 14 percent of the Class 8 trucks built included full-stability technology. Most of the highway tractor configurations from International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Volvo are now available with Bendix ESP as standard or optional equipment. And many of these same OEMs are making Bendix ESP available on their vocational and medium-duty offerings.
Developing the Vocational Market
Bendix ESP is also increasing penetration in the vocational market. Later this year, a major OEM is expected to launch the technology for its medium-duty market. Bendix believes that as President Barack Obama’s administration continues to develop its long-range plans to stimulate the economy and revitalize U.S. infrastructure, this market could continue to grow in importance.
“We’re seeing increased awareness of, and interest in, full-stability technology for vocational vehicles such as mixers and fuel haulers,” Andersky said. “These are vehicles that will be in high demand if the new administration has the opportunity to execute its infrastructure plans. This could help drive future growth of full-stability in the vocational market, and it could ultimately result in full-stability becoming standard on such vehicles.”
Proving the Value of Full-Stability Technology
Bendix continues its testing of full-stability technology and has extended its efforts to a variety of new configurations. The company recently concluded its ninth winter test of stability technology at its testing facility in Houghton, Mich. This year, the rigorous winter test included twin steer mixers and fuel haulers, as well as additional testing of the technology’s efficacy on motor coaches.
Bendix has conducted more long-term and extensive testing of commercial vehicle full-stability technology than any other manufacturer in the industry. Testing and proof of technology continues to be a core element of the Bendix commitment to quality and an integral part of its full-stability program.
Building Awareness
Industry outreach has been critical to the adoption of full-stability technology. Awareness of the differences between roll-only and full-stability technologies has contributed to the move to full-stability.
Bendix has taken an aggressive and proactive approach to delivering the facts about full-stability systems and their advantages when compared to roll-only technologies. From ride-and-drive events to work with industry organizations, OEM outreach to literature and white papers, the company has assumed a leadership role in the education of the industry.
“The facts are compelling,” Andersky said. “Full-stability technology can offer more protection, a shorter payback period, and quick ROI, especially if a fleet prevents a loss-of-control situation or rollover. And as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers a potential ruling on stability technology, some forward-thinking fleets are seeing full-stability as a way to get ahead of the curve.”
Bendix was the first North American brake system manufacturer to make a full-stability solution widely available for the commercial vehicle market. Also referred to as electronic stability program/electronic stability control (ESP/ESC), full-stability technology is more comprehensive than roll-only stability. Unlike roll-only systems, full-stability systems – such as Bendix ESP – address both roll and directional stability. While roll-only options function on dry surfaces, full-stability systems recognize and mitigate conditions that could lead to rollover and loss-of-control situations earlier on dry surfaces and in a wider range of driving and road conditions, including snowy, ice-covered, and slippery surfaces.
