Meritor WABCO Strengthens Market Presence with Broader Brake Product Portfolio
Now offering Meritor(R) and WABCO(R) air disc brakes
TROY, Mich., May 10 -- Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, the joint venture between ArvinMeritor and WABCO, has strengthened its commitment to customers by expanding its commercial vehicle brake products portfolio with the addition of innovative air disc brakes from both partner companies.
The joint venture becomes the exclusive North American source of WABCO's new generation, lightweight single piston air disc brake. This brake's technology offers end-users increased payload potential, easier maintenance, and reduced operating costs for a broad range of heavy-duty vehicles. In addition, Meritor WABCO will offer the Meritor brand EX225 air disc brake family, designed for severe service conditions. Both are covered by world- class customer support.
Effective immediately, the expanded product portfolio enables North American customers to select from one of the most innovative and complete braking systems in the marketplace -- incorporating the leading products like ABS, stability control systems, air dryers, compressors, and now air disc brakes. All are supported by integrated engineering and field sales and service.
"Customers will now have access to a comprehensive selection of the latest technology in braking systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and bus applications," said Jon Morrison, general manager of Meritor WABCO. "The expanded product portfolio and collaboration between the two partners is also an important signal to the North American market of the partners' strong commitment to the joint venture," he said.
This first step bolsters the joint venture's ability to lead the market's transition to disc brakes in preparation for the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) shorter stopping distance regulations.
Recently, air disc brakes have been gaining strength in specialty applications like bus and coach, fire truck, as well as initial usage in refuse and bulk-hazardous haulers. Both WABCO and ArvinMeritor expect air disc brakes to grow gradually in linehaul and trailer applications and reach a significant share of the market by 2010.
Product Features and Benefits
WABCO's new generation air disc brake (http://www.meritorwabco.com/ ) retains the reliability of the patented, compact, single-piston technology incorporated in WABCO's PAN range. PAN brake features such as increased pad thickness, optimized pad utilization, and service-friendliness have been incorporated in the new generation air disc brakes. The PAN range will continue to be offered for 17" and 19" wheels.
The key differentiating feature of the brake is its new caliper with pad offset, in combination with the unique single piston clamping unit and anti- taper wear mechanism. The braking action on the caliper allows the brake pad on the rim side to be retained and supported by the caliper. The rim side brake carrier can be eliminated, creating a distinct weight reduction as well as improved pressure distribution of the rim-side pad. In addition, disc heat cracking resistance is optimized.
Customer benefits include: * Increased payload potential due to lighter brake weight * Compact design fits all current wheel profiles * Easy installation and minimal service requirements * Superior operational safety * Incorporates PAN brake serviceability, reliability and safety
The market-leading Meritor EX225 air disc brake has proven reliable even under severe service conditions, with over 25 years' experience in North American specialty applications. It features high torque capability and superior pad volume and swept area. The guided twin piston design and double sealing offers high reliability and improved brake pad life.
Extended Customer Support
As with all products of the joint venture, the expanded air disc brake portfolio will be supported by:
* The market's largest sales and service organization
* Aftermarket parts distribution from the Florence, KY, distribution center
* Product training and in-the-field support including on-site product demonstrations
* Updated Web Sites: http://www.meritorhvs.com/ , http://www.meritorwabco.com/ , http://www.wabco-auto.com/ .
* Literature on-demand with online literature downloads
* Troubleshooting and diagnostics assistance
* Customer Service Center at 800-535-5560
* Specifications counsel
* General parts, warranty and service information
* Literature requests
* OnTrac OE/Dealer Technical Support Center at 866-668-7221
* Over 2,600 years of combined industry in-the-field expertise with unsurpassed customer consultation
Meritor WABCO(1) is a joint venture of ArvinMeritor, and the WABCO Automotive Products Group of American Standard Companies Inc. .
WABCO, the vehicle control systems business of American Standard Companies, is one of the world's leading producers 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 in 1869 as Westinghouse Air Brake Company, WABCO was acquired by American Standard in 1968. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the business today employs nearly 7000 people in 34 office and production facilities worldwide. In 2005, WABCO contributed US$1.80 billion to American Standard's total sales of more than US$10.30 billion. Website: http://www.wabco-auto.com/ .
ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $8.8 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 certain aftermarkets. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., ArvinMeritor employs approximately 29,000 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.
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