Meritor Introduces New Axles
1 September 1998
Meritor Introduces Axles for Electrically-Powered Mass Transit Vehicles HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 1 -- Meritor Automotive, Inc.
has announced the introduction of two axles for electric low-floor
buses. The new axles -- a dual motor axle for full size low-floor
configurations and a midi-size bus axle -- are the first products from Meritor
for use on electrically-powered mass transit vehicles. The axles will be
available later next year. The announcement of the new electric axles was
made at a special press conference at the IAA Hannover Truck Show.
Sergio Carvalho, general manager of Meritor's Worldwide Coach and Bus
business, said the bus industry is moving toward electrically-powered low-
emission buses. Because of this trend Meritor joined forces in October 1996
with Siemens AG Transportation Systems and Voith Turbo GmbH and Co. KG. The
new axle products are the first products from this alliance and further expand
Meritor's diverse bus component offerings.
"The goal of this formation was for three industry leaders to combine
their respective strengths to meet the evolving needs of global customers for
bus products with reduced vehicle emissions," Carvalho said. "The
introduction of these products will help our customers achieve their goals of
developing more environmentally-friendly vehicles while receiving the quality
that Meritor axle components have provided for many years."
Europe is the largest bus market in the world with more than 14,000
coaches and approximately 10,000 city buses manufactured annually.
"Emissions are becoming real critical issues in most European and North
American cities," Carvalho said. "Today, we are beginning to see the use of
diesel-electric and hybrid-electric buses. In addition, large investments are
being made in fuel cell technology for the future. We want to make sure we
can provide the axle components needed no matter what the vehicle
configuration."
Axle for Low Floor Bus Applications
The dual motor axle, RE-26-720 (ULFA), was specially designed for full-
size ultra low-floor city bus applications which are growing in popularity,
according to Carvalho. "There has been a definite conversion to the ultra
low-floor bus configuration as OEMs have learned that these configurations
provide more comfort for passengers," Carvalho said. "A high percentage of
the total bus production has been converted to low floor, and we expect a full
implementation within the next four to five years."
The RE-26-720 comes ready to install by integrating two Siemens PV Series
electric drive motors along with suspension arms for air bag attachments,
radius rod and torque rod brackets (if required) and low-noise reduction
gearing. Meritor's DX225 DiscPlus(TM) air disc brakes are standard.
Axle for Midi-Size Bus Applications
The straight electric axle (RE-17-345) is designed for use in an
electrically driven bus with a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 30,000
pounds (13.6T). The axle features a Siemens motor that is mounted directly to
the axle above the center bowl section. Power for the RE-17-345 is
transmitted through a three-gear drop helical gear box and into a 90 degree
hypoid gear set which transmits the power through the axle shafts to the
wheels. The helical gear box features ground gearing with a 4.24 reduction
ratio and maximum input speed of 9,000 rpm. In addition, there are provisions
for speed and oil temperature sensors.
The axle also features a Meritor RS-145 carrier with available ratios
ranging from 3.58 to 6.14. The hypoid gear set has a specially designed gear
tooth designed to reduce noise.
"The midi-bus is becoming more popular due to several factors," Carvalho
said. "They are more efficient on some routes where passenger volumes do not
require full-size buses. They are also more maneuverable in locations with
narrow streets and tight turns."
Meritor is the leading axle manufacturer for the North American bus and
coach market and is positioning itself to be a leader in the European market
with the development of several new and improved axle and suspension products.
"With our new electric axles, and new independent front suspension
products, Meritor is broadening its product portfolio to meet the needs of
virtually any bus or coach requirement and to help our worldwide customers
bring to market more efficient transit vehicles," Carvalho said.
Meritor, with 1997 sales of $3.3 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light vehicles.
Meritor consists of two businesses: Heavy Vehicle Systems, a leading supplier
of drivetrain systems and components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks,
trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty vehicles including military,
bus and coach, fire and rescue; and Light Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of
roof, door, access control and seat adjusting systems, electric motors,
suspension systems and wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and sport
utility vehicles.
