Meritor Wabco introduces ECAS for 6x2 configurations

ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Meritor Wabco has announced a new electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) for 6x2 configurations.

The system allows the driver to shift weight to the drive axle to reduce wheel spin in low-traction situations.

More fleets are spec’ing 6x2 configurations to increase payload and save fuel. Meritor Wabco officials said about 400 lbs can be saved by switching to a 6x2. However, the configuration can remain a challenge in low-grip scenarios.

ECAS is designed to improve a truck’s air suspension control system by electronically maintaining a set ride height between the axle and chassis as road and vehicle characteristics change. The pressure control of the air springs is only adjusted when there’s a change in the load, officials explained.

Meritor Wabco demonstrated the technology to trade press editors this week on a slick track at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds.

“This is a highly differentiated approach to 6x2 applications, which provides several cost benefits to the fleet owner at the point of purchase and over the life of the vehicle,” said Jon Morrison, president and general manager, Meritor Wabco. “The ECAS system will not only improve 6x2 traction and reduce fuel consumption, but will also decrease axle wear and tear requiring less maintenance in addition to several safety benefits.”

The new system will be available beginning in September.

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Meritor Wabco offering lane departure warning with drowsy driver alert

ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Meritor Wabco has announced availability of lane departure warning system that offers drowsy driver detection capabilities.

The system, built on the SafeTrak technology developed by Takata Corp., will be available for fleet installation beginning in October, the company announced.

Meritor Wabco’s LDW system is a forward-looking, vision-based system that monitors the road and the vehicle’s position in the lane. It provides audible alerts when the driver strays from his or her own lane without the turn signal activated.

The system uses “advanced image analysis algorithms” to detect a wide variety of lane markings and can even determine the lane parameters in bad weather, including snow, officials say.

Included in the system is a Driver Alertness Warning (DAW) function that notifies a driver when they have been weaving within their lane of travel. Company officials cited Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data that shows “failure to keep in proper lane” is the third most cited reason for a fatal truck accident. The FMCSA has also projected that fleets can achieve a payback of as much as US$6.55 for every dollar spent on lane departure warnings systems.

The system uses a single camera that’s mounted to a bracket on the windshield. It offers automatic calibration and simple diagnostics, Meritor Wabco officials said during a press preview of the technology.

The first version, which will be available in October, will offer lane departure warnings and drowsy driver alerts. A more advanced system, to come later, will add video storage capabilities as well as a collision warning system.

“Customers recognize our continuous commitment to optimize safety products and have expressed great interest in our new system,” said Jon Morrison, president and general manager, Meritor Wabco. “With more than 800 million North American commercial truck miles logged, Meritor Wabco’s LDW system with the addition of next generation SafeTrak technology by Takata broadens our portfolio of active safety systems for the commercial vehicle, allows us to be a single, integrated supplier for all critical safety needs, and provides the fleet with a valuable tool in improving safety and reducing costs.”

Meritor Wabco will handle all sales and technical support for LDW, the company said.

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