News Release
For more information, contact:
Barbara Gould or Kimberly Pupillo
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC Marcus Thomas LLC
(440) 329-9609 (888) 482-4455
barbara.gould@bendix.com kpupillo@marcusthomasllc.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATS 2009 Booth No. 32435
ELYRIA, Ohio – March 18, 2009 – Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, the North American leader in the development and manufacture of leading-edge active safety and braking system technologies, continues to expand its presence in the market despite current economic conditions. In a move that illustrates the strength of its business, the company recently reached a new agreement with Caterpillar Inc., to provide SmartWave® tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) technology by Bendix CVS.
SmartWave technology became part of the Bendix portfolio with the December 2008 select asset acquisition from SmarTire Systems Inc. Bendix incorporated select assets of the company, including SmartWave technology, into the company’s electronics business unit. The move complemented the other leading-edge safety technologies at Bendix, such as the Bendix® ESP® Electronic Stability Program and Bendix® Wingman™ Active Cruise with Braking (ACB).
“Tire pressure monitoring systems are both efficient and cost-effective in a wide variety of applications. This technology can help reduce wear and tear caused by under-inflation, especially on high-value off road tires,” said Greg Tooke, product manager for tire pressure monitoring systems at Bendix. “We are pleased that Caterpillar has forged a long-term relationship with us and that the strength of Bendix has helped facilitate this business win.”
SmartWave technology provides real-time tire pressure status and automatically warns the driver of an under-inflated tire. The SmartWave system is specifically designed to meet the harsh environments, both on- and off-the-road, experienced by commercial and vocational vehicles.
SmartWave technology enhances the evolving set of Bendix chassis-based safety components. Bendix believes TPMS – already mandatory on passenger vehicles in North America – are among the technologies that can help achieve comprehensive commercial vehicle advanced safety technology. TPMS is currently being reviewed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as part of an investigation into the mitigation of tire failure in commercial vehicles. In the European Union, a current initiative aims to ensure a mandate requiring TPMS in passenger vehicles.
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. For more information visit www.cat.com.
About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, develops and supplies leading-edge active safety technologies, air brake charging, and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. An industry pioneer, employing more than 2,200 people, Bendix is driven to deliver solutions for improved vehicle performance, safety, and overall operating cost. Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico; Bowling Green, Ky.; Huntington, Ind.; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit www.bendix.com.
# # #
