Meritor WABCO Introduces ABS-Based Electronic Stability Control System

TROY, Mich., March 14 -- Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems announced today its new Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for truck/tractor applications, founded on the company's existing E-version anti-lock braking system (ABS). The ESC system will be available beginning May 20, 200505 and builds upon the already-established Roll Stability Control (RSC) system currently operating on more than 10,000 commercial vehicles across North America.

"ESC exemplifies our continuing efforts to pioneer stability enhancement technologies," said Denny Sandberg, president and general manager of Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems. "This new system provides another level of vehicle control by sensing the vehicle's tendency to rotate and automatically applying the brakes to reduce that risk."

He added that while ESC is an added instrument in vehicle stability, drivers are still the critical element in the driving equation.

ESC combines the proven features of the company's Roll Stability Control (RSC) system with added yaw (rotational) sensing. This improves vehicle handling and performance if there is an impending loss of control due to rotational forces. These rotational forces may occur as a result of rapid lane change, or cornering maneuvers on slippery surfaces.

"The market has readily accepted the RSC system as a viable opportunity to increase safety and reduce operating expenses," commented Sandberg. "Customers currently running the system can attest to its benefits."

RSC is an optional feature of the company's ABS and is currently the only stability control system available in production. While RSC provides a great value relationship for most truck operators, some fleets or vehicle types may benefit from the additional yaw stability control integral to the ESC system. To accommodate these needs, the current ABS electronic control unit has been enhanced to allow for the integration of ESC across a variety of vehicle configurations with different engines, transmissions, suspensions and wheelbases.

Meritor WABCO is the only full line supplier of ABS and stability enhancement systems for both hydraulically and pneumatically braked commercial vehicles, with products to meet a variety of customer needs.

The company's Roll Stability Support (RSS) is operating on hundreds of trailers across North America. The RSS system provides improved vehicle stability independent of an ESC- or RSC-equipped tractor, albeit having systems on both the tractor and trailer can achieve even greater levels of vehicle stability.

WABCO, the vehicle control systems business of American Standard Companies, is the world's leading producer of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission control systems for heavy duty commercial vehicles. WABCO products are also increasingly used in luxury cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Customers include the world's leading commercial truck, trailer, bus and passenger car manufacturers. Founded in the US 136 years ago as Westinghouse Air Brake Company, WABCO was acquired by American Standard in 1968. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the business today employs nearly 6700 people in 30 office and production facilities worldwide. In 2004, WABCO contributed US$1.72 billion to American Standard's total sales of US$9.50 billion. Website: http://www.wabco-auto.com/ .

Meritor WABCO(1) is a joint venture of ArvinMeritor, and the WABCO Automotive Products Group of American Standard Companies Inc. .

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $8 billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 31,000 people at more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 25 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/ .

(1) Meritor WABCO products are available in the United States, Mexico and Canada.