New High-Tech Truck at SAE Show

PORTLAND, Ore.--Delphi Automotive Systems is applying its integrated systems approach to the commercial truck industry with its Tech-Truck, a Class-8 heavy-duty truck being displayed here at the 2000 SAE Truck & Bus Meeting and Exposition.

“Tech-Truck was created to demonstrate how Delphi’s technology depth, product breadth, and integrated systems approach advances driver safety and improves truck performance while reducing fleet costs,” said Greg Kochendorfer, Delphi global customer director for commercial vehicles. “Our history of innovation in the industry positions Delphi to provide superior products and services to the commercial truck industry.”

Tech-Truck features include:

• Hidden FUBA Antenna System - Combines AM/FM, WB, cellular, GPS, and TV antenna/tuner. The system enhances styling, increases functionality and reduces warranty claims and potential vandalism because the antennas are contained within the truck’s structure.

• Heated Steering Wheel - Allows the driver to comfortably grip the steering wheel, even on the coldest winter days, providing a safer, more comfortable driving experience.

• Heated/Cooled Center Console - Utilizes highly reliable thermoelectric technology for convenient heating or cooling at the flip of a switch.

• Telematics - Enhanced safety and security for drivers and fleets, including stolen vehicle tracking, collision detection and location identification with a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).

• Head Airbag System - deploys from the roof and pillars to provide head impact protection from interior and exterior objects. Designed to maintain pressure for more than six seconds to help keep occupants inside the cab during multi-incident wrecks, such as roll-overs.

• Communiport Mobile MultiMedia Center - Includes an AM/FM/WB receiver with CD ROM, Windows CE/Auto PC operating system, a state-of-the-art voice recognition system, multiple communication ports, J-1587 interface and an electroluminescent display.

• AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Battery - Extends battery life up to twice that of normal batteries, with 200 amps of power and a 30 percent increased capacity.

• Liteflex Springs - Weighing about 50 pounds less than a comparable steel-leaf spring, liteflex springs provide improved fuel economy and the ability to haul larger payloads.

• X Frame Door Module - Highly integrated design provided as a pre-tested unit that is easily installed and servicable.

• Premium Audio System - Delivers 280 watts of high performance, customized audio through an eight-channel amplifier and nine speakers. The system also includes a 12-disk CD changer.

• Sleeper Audio/Video - Provides entertainment options integrated into vehicle audio system, such as TV, DVD, and games, to fill the off-road hours.

• Hydrographics Process - Allows manufacturers the opportunity to offer an almost limitless number of choices of steering wheel surface colors and design patterns. It can also be used for instrument panels and other interior trim surfaces, allowing for a coordinated interior color scheme.

Delphi can be found on the Internet at www.delphiauto.com.